Harold E. Olson

Harold E. Olson, 89, of South Range, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth.

Harold was born in the family home at Helms corner on March 25, 1936, to Kenneth and Mildred (Wermter) Olson. He graduated from Superior East High School with the class of 1954 and then attended UWS.

He served his country in the US Marine Corp Reserve for 8 years.

Harold worked at Honeywell on the electrical guidance system for the Apollo and Gemini minute man missiles as well as the MK 46 torpedo. He decided the big city was no place to raise a family and moved back to Doulgas County. He was the Douglas County Zoning Administrator for 23 years, retiring in 1999. He was a member and past president of the Wisconsin County Code Administrators. He had served as chairman of the board of Whispering Pines Church.

He married Diane on October 3, 1981, in Hawthorne and they celebrated 44 years of marriage.

Harold played softball for many years and football in high school. He was a dedicated Packers Fan. He enjoyed rendezvousing, camping, and traveling. He also enjoyed goose, duck, turkey, and deer hunting. Harold was the Mayor of Swamp Road. He hosted the annual Camperama for 40 Years.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mike Swanson; brothers-in-law, Bobby, Richard, Roy, Bruce, and Len Roen, Jim Bender and Roy Wahto.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; his sons, Chuck (Barb) Swanson of Superior, Steve (Sandy) Wick of Grand Marais, and Jamie (Joy) Wick of South Range; daughter-in-law Theresa Swanson of Maplewood;17 grandchildren; 13 Greatgrandchildren; brothers, Gerald (Lil), Mark (Beth), Mike (Joyce), and Miles; sisters, Karen (Rus) Olson, Ellen Lappalainen, Mary Olson, Linda Bender, and Janet (Jim) Johnson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Harold's Life will be held on Friday, December 12th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 2:30p.m. with Gary Banker officiating at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N 34th St., Superior.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Hawthorne at a later date.