Wrisley B. Oleson II

Grand Blanc - Wrisley Oleson of Grand Blanc, Michigan, lost his private battle with cancer on February 27, 2024. He died peacefully with his wife and friend by his side.

He was born Wrisley Bartlett Oleson II to Dr. Dunlap and Joan (Olson) Oleson January 21, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his early youth there until the family relocated to Sarasota, Florida.

During high school, he apprenticed for a well-known boat builder. In 1962, he attended the University of Chicago and later returned to St. Petersburg, Florida, and was Executive Director of Big Brothers of Pinellas County. It was there in St. Pete that he met Frances Johnson, and they were later married on Captiva Island in 1973.

The couple moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and he began his career in health care with Blue Cross and Fran taught school. In 1977, the couple moved to Grand Blanc, Michigan where he cofounded a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) that became Health Plus of Michigan.

Wrisley was an avid reader, loved his cats, enjoyed travel, cars, and boats. He and Fran summered at their condo in Saugatuck, Michigan and enjoyed walking into town for breakfast at Ida Red's, visiting art shows and galleries, shopping, and riding their bikes to Oval Beach. He was a collector of glass, metal, pottery and wood art pieces made by local and other artisans.

Many were enriched by his knowledge, kindness and often anonymous generosity. He will be greatly missed by Frances (Fran), his wife of 50 years, his sister Holley Watcki and niece Megan Watcki of St. Petersburg, Florida, sister-in-law Jane E. Piercy (Libby) and brother-in-law Bruce Johnson of Heath Springs, SC; and brother-in-law Larry Johnson of Lancaster, SC.

A private burial will take place in Lombard, Illinois. Those wishing to honor Wrisley may donate to the Humane Society or a charity of their choice.