Myles Olsen

Myles Sumner Olsen, Jr., 94, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, in Long Grove, Illinois. A devoted husband, father, veteran, and business leader, Myles lived a long and accomplished life marked by resilience, dedication, and deep love for his family.

Born on December 9, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, Myles grew up between Chicago and Rockville, Maryland. His mother and sisters and he had been living in the family home in Tacoma Park, Maryland before World War II but moved to the family farm during World War II, which was in Union, Illinois, about 60 miles northwest of Chicago. There is a road in Union that is still named after his family, P & O Road. Later he attended the private school, Longwood School for Boys in Brookeville, Maryland for high school before enrolling at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. There, he earned a degree in business and was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity-an experience that helped shape his lifelong commitment to leadership and excellence.

Following his college years, Myles served his country with honor during the Korean War. He completed active duty assignments with both the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps. His service included multiple overseas deployments. Myles held a steadfast belief in the duty to protect one's country when called upon-a conviction that remained with him throughout his life.

After returning from military service, Myles took the reins of his family's business, Olsen Woodwork Company-a firm founded by his father and grandfather in the 1920s. At just 35 years old, he became CEO and President of the company. Under his leadership from its base in Chicago, Olsen Woodwork expanded significantly across the United States. The company specialized in custom carpentry and millwork for major commercial developments including hotels, bank headquarters, corporate offices, condominiums, and apartment buildings. The firm's craftsmanship graced landmark projects such as those for Marriott Corporation, Harris Bank of Chicago, NCNB Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina and Nationwide Insurance's headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

Myles was known for working closely with many of the country's largest general contractors and for maintaining a reputation for excellence in construction and design. His leadership transformed Olsen Woodwork into a nationally recognized name in architectural millwork.

Beyond his professional achievements, Myles was a man of many passions. He loved skiing with his family in Michigan and Aspen and spent countless cherished days sailing on Lake Michigan and off Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Time spent in Hilton Head with his children remains among the most treasured memories for those who knew him best. A voracious reader with a deep interest in military history-especially World War II-Myles found joy in learning and reflection throughout his life.

In later years, Myles became deeply spiritual. He read the Bible cover to cover several times and was an active member of Long Grove Community Church near his home in Kildeer, Illinois. His faith became an important part of his identity and offered him strength through life's many chapters.

Myles is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Joan Readding Olsen; his daughter Leslie Olsen Andren and son-in-law Dale K. Andren as well as his only grandchild, James (Jamie) Sumner Andren; his son Myles Sumner Olsen III; and his sister Marjorie Olsen Coffey along with her husband Theodore Coffey and their three children.

He was predeceased by his youngest son Brian Andrew Olsen; his sister Patricia Marillyn Olsen Smith; his parents Myles Sumner Olsen, Sr. and Dorothy Lillian Peterson Olsen; his mother-in-law Marie Mohnach Readding and his sister-in-law Barbara Readding Scott.

A man of strong convictions who believed that "you get out of life what you put into it," Myles instilled values of hard work, education, faith, and perseverance into those around him. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and took great pride in their accomplishments as well as his own.

Myles leaves behind a legacy not only of professional success but also of love, resilience, and inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to guide those whose lives he touched.