Roland E. Olsen

IRON MOUNTAIN - Roland E. Olsen, 84, of 1117 River Ave. in Iron Mountain, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at his home. He was born May 28, 1924, in Homestead, Wis., son of the late Einer and Ruth (Mild) Olsen. He joined the United States Army Air Corps on Feb. 3, 1943, and saw action during World War II at battles in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 10, 1945. Roland returned home and married the former Judith Cootware in 1950. He worked for Wahlstrom Dairy for 21 years, and in 1972, he went to work for the Erickson-Rochon &Nash Funeral Home. He worked in all aspects of funeral service, and was a very loyal and hard working man who took great pride in what he did. He retired in 1986. From 1986 to present, Roland continued to work for the funeral home as a driver and funeral assistant. He was a very handy and a talented carpenter who could fix or build anything. Roland was a faithful member of the First Covenant Church, where he served as a trustee and usher for many years. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his weekly and Sunday coffee crew, and his daily visits to the funeral home and the church. Roland is survived by his wife, Judy; a son, Kim (Debby) Olsen of Greenleaf, Wis.; a daughter, Beth (Bob) Swanson of Iron Mountain; a sister, Carol (Lloyd) Pryor of Kingsford; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Arlene and Doris, and a brother, Irving. A visitation will be Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. at the First Covenant Church. Rev. Peter Erickson will officiate. Burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Roland E. Olsen online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.