David Olson

David Olson

May 16, 1941 - March 04, 2024

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Obituary

David A. Olson, 82, of Platteville, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024 at Upland Hills Health, Dodgeville. Prayer services will be held at 6:00 PM, Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Father Dave Flanagan will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Online condolences can be expressed at www.melbyfh.com.

David was born on May 16, 1941 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the adopted son of Edward and Edith (Turrell) Olson. David grew up in Hanover, Wisconsin attending a one room schoolhouse. He went on to college at the University of Wisconsin Platteville (UWP) where he met his wife, Gail Gardner and they united in marriage on May 30, 1964 in Brookfield, Wisconsin. David graduated from UWP in 1970 and started working in the financial aid office while he obtained his master's degree in counseling. He enjoyed the University of Platteville and stayed on working as manager of the University Bookstore, Assistant Director of the Student Center and then Director of the Student Center. He finished his 33-year career at UWP working as Director of Environmental and Occupational Safety, retiring in 2003.

“Big Dave” enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was a serious coin collector and an avid reader. He loved keeping up with the latest technology and sending everyone the “joke of the day”. He could fix anything and even enjoyed reading owner's manuals.

David is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gail; two daughters, Cindy (Mark) Meisner and Christine (Edwin) Schulz; five grandchildren, Michael (Liv Prestrud) Schulz, Cale Meisner, Nicole (Bridger) Schulz-Smith, Molly Meisner and Erik Meisner; and his dog “Sunny”. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister- Janalee (Larry) Olsen, granddaughter-Carley, and several other close in-laws and friends who he shared life with.

David's family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the kind and caring staff at Upland Hills Health and Upland Hills Hospice in his final weeks of life. 

 

 

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David
MB
michele bartels
Other •
my deepest sympathy, what a great man, he will be so missed!
TJ
Tom and Pat Jonas
Other •
Gail and family, We hope your good memories help you through this time. We share so much with you; trust you are in our thoughts and even prayers. Love, Tom and Pat
PS
Phil Swift
Other •
My sympathies to Gail and the family. Dave was a great neighbor, friend, joke sharer, and Pioneer basketball supporter. He will be greatly missed!
NB
Nancy Bockhop
Other •
I was Director of the Mail and Duplicating Center at UW-Platteville for many years. It was a service department so I knew most staff and faculty on campus. Dave was one of the nicest people to work with. He always had a smile and a pleasant demeanor about him. You have my sympathy in the loss of a great man.
SS
Sandy and Bill Spofford
Other •
In Loving Memory of David Olson, With deepest sympathies. A Sympathy Gift of Single Tree has been Planted In Loving Memory of David A. Olson courtesy of Sandy and Bill Spofford.
MV
Mick & Rhonda Viney
Other •
Gail and family -- we are saddened by Dave's passing. The two of you have been in our lives for many years -- in Porter Hall, as colleagues, as neighbors and friends. Your memories and shared times and experiences will bring many smiles to your faces and warmth to your hearts. We are keeping you all in our thoughts at this sad time.

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