TRAVERSE CITY — Let us celebrate a life well lived and a husband and father well loved.Donald Nels Olson, 88, was born on April 21, 1923, in Ironwood, to Anna and Nels Olson. Don was proud of his U.P. childhood, of his diploma from Ironwood's Luther Wright High School and of his MBA degree from the University of Michigan. While he regretted the anguish of war, he was proud of his U.S. Navy service as a gunnery officer on the battleship Tennessee in the Pacific during World War II, where he participated in the actions at Iwo Jima, Tinian, and the great naval victory of Surigao Straits. In 1948 he married Joyce Anne Schiffer, of Detroit, at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, and they enjoyed 62 years together.Don's professional career began as a CPA. He later worked at General Motors, where he spent 28 years in finance, including 23 years in the Overseas Division. Don was deeply grateful to Alcoholics Anonymous for guiding him to 30 years of sobriety. He loved tennis and enjoyed 70 years of playing. Don passed away at the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City, and cremation has taken place. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Gary (Cristina) and Chris (Debbie); grandsons, Andrew, Jamie, Daniel, Jeffrey and Tim; and beloved cousins, Norma Meyers, Janice Hansen and Helen Kvale. Memorial donations may be made to the Grand Traverse Pavilions or the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City.With joy we remember Don's kindness, patience and gentle nature. His spirit lives on in the hearts of the many people whose lives he touched.Please share thoughts with the family at Don's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.