Burt Olson

1939 - 2025

Burt Olson

October 2, 1939 - September 12, 2025

MADISON-Earl Burdette "Burt" Olson, Jr., beloved husband and soul-mate, Dad, Papa Grandpa, brother and friend, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025. Burt was born in Chicago, Ill. on October 2, 1939 to Earl Burdette "Bert" Olson, Sr. and Helen (Fillman) Olson. He graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, Ill. in 1957, and graduated from the University of Chicago in 1961 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. On January 23, 1965, he married Darlene Wuethrick at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. They lived in Madison throughout their 55-year marriage. Burt was awarded a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin in Biochemistry in 1965 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1969, working in the lab of Hector F. DeLuca. After graduation, Burt was hired by the UW Medical School Pediatrics Department as an Assistant Professor. Later he moved from Pediatrics to the Department of Population Health Sciences. Burt dedicated his career at UW to research on lung development and understanding how the brain controls breathing. He was also a beloved teacher of undergraduate and graduate students in Environmental Toxicology and the School of Public Health. Burt was a devout Christian who shared his love for Christ every day. He was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church for more than 55 years.

Burt is survived by his daughters, Jill (Peter de Jong), Amy (Marco Guillén), Beth (Dan Haddinger); his son, Clint. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Derek, Jacob, Liam, and Ryan de Jong, Ana and Marco Olson Guillén, Jr.; three step-grandchildren, Benjamin, Hallie, and Owen Haddinger. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, John (Jerre) Olson, Will (Dottie) Olson, Phyllis (Keith) Hand, Marty (Cathy) Olson, and Bob (Kitty) Olson, and his brother-in-law, Don (Kathy) Wuethrick, as well as many nephews and nieces. Burt was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene and his parents. He is fondly remembered by many friends and colleagues who knew him through his service, work, and activities in both Christian and academic communities in Madison, across Wisconsin and the world. More information and links for memorial donations see the Cress website.

Burt and his family thank God for the friends, caregivers and neighbors who supported him through this journey. Burt's Memorial Service is Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, Wis. Visitation is 9 to 11 a.m. Service will be live streamed on Bethel's YouTube Channel.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road

Madison, WI 53705

6082383434