Portage, Indiana
HERBERT CARL OLSON Portage, Indiana Herbert Carl Olson, age 79, a longtime resident of Portage passed away Friday, October 31, 2008. He was born on May 25, 1929 in Gary, Indiana, the son of Hilmer and Sara Olson. Herb proudly served his country in the United States Army. Herb was married to Jeanette Munro on July 31, 1954 in Gary. Herb helped to start the Portage Police Department as one of the original six officers on March 1, 1960. During his 32 year distinguished career he also served as Chief of Police. Herb also served a term as a Portage City Councilman. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Portage where he was an elder, he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police #145, member of the Dunes Masonic Lodge # 741, a member of the South Bend Scottish Rite, and a member of the American Legion Post # 260. Herb enjoyed, cooking, gardening, golfing, and fishing. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all. Herb is survived by his loving family; wife Jeanette Olson, Portage, IN, and son, David (Margaret) Olson, Corona, CA; daughters Cynthia (Daniel) Hoffman, Lawrenceburg, IN, Debra (Jeffrey) Davis, Costa Mesa, CA, and Barbara (Michael) Vaughan, of Portage, IN, 14 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, and other loving family and dear friends. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, brother Arthur Olson, and sisters Ruth Cox and Joan Grynovich. A visitation for Herb Olson will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home - Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue Portage. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church of Portage, 6225 Lute Road, Portage, with Reverend Timothy Reyna, officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. In lieu of flowers memorials in Herb's memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Portage. For further information please call Rees Funeral Home - Olson Chapel (219) 762-3013 or online at: www.reesfuneralhomes.com
Read MoreI was schocked when I heard about this. Herb was a GREAT guy. I have VERY fond memories of him. My father worked with Herb for years and expresses his deepest sympathies to the family.
Tara Parks (Meade)
November 14, 2008 | Hobart, IN
Uncle Herb is greatly missed, and will not be forgotten. The legacy of "Herb stories" will always bring a chuckle and a smile, just as Herb did. Everyone he left behind is in our thoughts.
David and Mindy Michael
November 06, 2008 | St. Paul, MN
I was very saddened to hear about Herb.I have many fond memories of working with Herb at Brandt Hardware and Portage Ace Hardware.
We were always working on the pumps for shallow wells.
I also remember a time when Herb was a patrol officer.He had a flat tire in front of the Hamstrom homestead on the squad car.I went out to the road to help him change the tire.
I will greatly miss Herb
Norm Hamstrom
Norm Hamstrom
November 05, 2008 | Portage, IN
What a man! He was a great person and it was wonderful to see how much he loved his family and our city. I think he was a great example of Christ and His love. Much love to you all and I am praying for your strength. He was a true blessing to all who knew him.
Traci Brubaker
November 05, 2008 | Portage, IN
Iam so saddened with Herb passing. He was such a great guy. Now he is with Ray, Larry, Keith and Lee talking over old times and telling stories on each other. I will miss him.
Judy Burden
November 05, 2008 | Portage, IN
I have many fond memories of my years working with Herb [Portage Police Department]. What a man! My sympathy to his family and many friends.
Andy Bellis
November 04, 2008 | Springfield, IL
To the Whole Olson Family,
My thoughts and prayer are with you.
Jacqueline Smith
November 04, 2008 | Gary
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God be with You in your time of need.
Willie Urquidi
November 04, 2008 | Portage, IN
Very sorry for your loss. We will miss him at Shriner events.
Harris & Cherie Whybrew
November 03, 2008 | Lowell, IN
