Donald Edward Olson

Donald Sugarloaf Key - Olson Edward Olson Donald E. Olson, 89, of Sugarloaf Key, Florida, and formerly of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully November 18, 2025.

Born on Thanksgiving Day 1935 in Rockford, IL to Roy and Dorothy Olson, Donald was the oldest of three children. He graduated from East High School in 1953 and later attended the University of Illinois. He returned home to help his father operate and expand the family's small pattern shop into Olson Aluminum Castings, a complete foundry that grew and thrived over several decades. Donald dedicated his life to the business, retiring as a proud lifelong foundry man whose skill and leadership earned the respect of all who worked with him. Donald was also a long time active member of the American Foundry Society.

A proud Mason for sixty-five years, and a Tebala Shriner, Donald was known for riding motorcycles for twenty-five years in Shriner parades and for his cheerful spirit and service to others. He was a member of Brooke Road United Methodist Church before becoming a member of Key West United Methodist Church.

In 1970, he married Melinda V. Ohman, and together they raised two sons, Brian, and Carl. Donald was a devoted and hands-on father who taught his boys the value of hard work and the practical skills to succeed in life. After Melinda's passing in 1996, he married Mary Horn in 2000, expanding his family to include Tim, Connie, and Keith, whom he welcomed with fatherly love, and guidance.

Donald was an avid fisherman who cherished time at Pokegama Lake in Hertel, WI, a place he had visited since boyhood. His love of the outdoors took him on fishing adventures to Canada and Alaska, where he found joy and peace on the water. A true enthusiast for all things fast and fun, Donald was also a car lover who owned several Pontiac convertibles in his younger days and enjoyed watching races throughout his life. He loved being near the water - from water-skiing on the Rock River, fishing up at the lake, to enjoying the sun and sea during his retirement in Key West.

Above all, Donald will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend - a man of integrity, warmth, and humor who lived life fully and loved deeply.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons Brian (Jennifer), Carl (Karen), Keith (Jodi), Tim; and daughter Connie (Alan); six grandsons Zeke (Kendal), Ty, Brendan, Logan, Caleb and Conner and Great grandson Kayzen. Extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Services will be held on December 5, 2025 in Rockford, IL, followed by burial at Scandinavian Cemetery

A celebration of Donald's life will be held at their home on Sugarloaf Key. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Chicago.