Olsen, Wesley A.
Wesley A. Olsen, age 91, of Sheboygan, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at his home. He was born in Sheboygan on July 28, 1922, the son of the late Fred and Emma Kruschke Olsen.
He attended local schools in Sheboygan, graduating from Sheboygan Central High School in 1940. Wes then worked in the office at Armour Leather, accounting department until September of 1942, when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving his country during World War II for three and a half years in the South Pacific.
On September 7, 1946, he was united in marriage to Rita Klein at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. In 1948 he began employment at the Sheboygan Post Office as a postal clerk, serving as President of the Postal Clerks Union. Wes was a member of the Sheboygan Elks #299, Hi Ho Club, a life time member of VFW Post #9156, NARFE, St. Peter Claver Aid Society and New Life Choir. He also was a previous treasurer and currently on the Holy Cross Cemetery Committee. Wes was an active member of St. Peter Claver Parish, of which he served for some time as Executive Secretary after his retirement from the Post Office.
He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan, attending as many games possible and going to Arizona for their spring training. In his earlier years Wes played lots of baseball, both hardball at the age of 16 as a catcher on the Kohler semi pro team and other local hardball teams. Wes also played softball for many years on several Sheboygan teams. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Sheepshead and with the Cribbage Club.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-seven years, Rita; three children, Michael (Jan) Olsen, of Fridley, MN, Barbara (Dennis) Bastil, Mary Messner, all of Sheboygan; ten grandchildren, Gary Olsen, of Fridley, MN, Julie (Jon) Buchholz, of Edgerton, John (Natalie) Olsen, of LaCrosse, Denise (Al) Rick, of Sheboygan, Lisa (Paul) Wagner, of Plymouth, Brian (Samantha) Bastil, of Sheboygan, Matthew (Amy) Antes, of Sheboygan, Josh (Angie) Antes, of Greenfield, Kristen Besaw and Katie Messner, both of Sheboygan; nine great-grandchildren, Wesley, Nolan, Gretta , Emmitt, Madeline, William, Selena, Adante and Lucas. Wesley is further survived by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Joseph, his parents, father and mother-in-law, sisters and brothers-in-law.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 11, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church with Rev. Paul Fliss, officiating and Deacon Michael Burch, assisting. Family and friends may call at the church, 1444 S. 11th St. on Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Wesley's name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
Wes-Semper Fi!
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Our Deepest Sympathy, Rita and family. Wes was a great man and prankster. We will never forget the fun times with him.
Jerry and Joan Bogenschuetz
November 11, 2013
Our very deepest sympathy to you, Rita and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John & Louise Goode
November 10, 2013
Family of Wes,
My deepest sympathies to the whole family. Wes brightened up our office every time he and Rita walked in. I felt honored to have taken care of such a wonderful man. So glad he was able to go on the Honor Flight with his grand son. That was a highlight of his last years. He was so proud to have attended. I will miss his smile and his hugs. Fondly, Ann Weeden, RN
Ann Weeden
November 9, 2013
Dear Rita...my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Take care Mary Jo (Schuette) Simon
November 8, 2013
Rita, I am so very sorry for your loss. Both you and Wes helped make St Petes the great Parish that it continues to be. I will miss seeing him at Mass. What a great sense of humor he had and enjoyed life to the fullest. We will miss him! Mike and Karen Murray
November 8, 2013
Dear Mrs. Olsen, Mike and Family:
I was sorry to hear Mr. Olsen passed away. I remember many years ago he took a group of fellas including me to a movie at the Rex Theater for a birthday party for Mike, and afterward we went to your house, where a steaming pot of hot dogs awaited us.
Good and cherished memories. May God bless Mr. Olsen and all of you in his family now and always.
Bob Drews
November 8, 2013
"Semper Fi" Wes, from another "Jar head"
Lou Traas
November 8, 2013
Rita and family,
My prayers are with you, at this time. Wes always had a smile for people.
Jo Anne (Feld) Hayon
November 8, 2013
Mary, I'm sorry for your loss. Your dad was a very nice man.
Joette Kramer
November 8, 2013
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Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home - Sheboygan1535 South 12th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081
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