Wilfred "Wish" Olson

"Wish" Wilfred G. Olson, 70, of Iron Mountain passed away on March 28, 2023, surrounded by his family at Marshfield Medical Center- Dickinson in Iron Mountain.
He was born on December 28, 1952, to Glenn L. and Bernice M. (Smith) Olson. At 17 Wish enlisted into the United States Navy where he proudly served during the Vietnam war aboard the USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier.
Wish married the love of his life and soul mate, Julie Brunner of Brillion, WI. They were married in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho on October 30, 1982, and they renewed their vows on their 5th anniversary at St. Pius Catholic Church in Coeur d' Alene, ID and again on their 25th anniversary at St. Mary's Queen of Peace in Kingsford. Together they celebrated over 40 years of marriage.
Wish loved working and building with wood, and he was an exceptional carpenter. He worked for Kellar Structures in his early years, and when he moved to Coeur d' Alene, ID, he continued his craft, building Mormon churches. After moving back to Iron Mountain, he worked at the Dickinson County Library until his retirement. During that time, he also had his own construction company, Creative Construction, building many porches and decks and renovating his family home.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred, Glenn Jr., and Gerald Olson; his sister, Sherry Stamatakos; and brother-in-law, Gerald "Nubby" Johnson.
Wish leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Julie; sons, whom he loved beyond words, Randy and Ray (Marie) Olson; his grandchildren who lit up his life, Michaela, Alana, Zachary, and Melody; and his sisters Judy Johnson, Brenda (Don) Voth, Gina Olson, and Patti (John) Spindt. He is remembered and cherished by several generations of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors, who lovingly called him "Uncle Wish". He shared his heart with everyone he met, along with his buddies, John Blomquist and Tom Menza. Wish will also be sadly missed by his fur baby, Ringo, and Miss Molly Sparkles (departed).
A special thank you to Dr. McConnell and his nurse, Jean, at the VA in Iron Mountain who selflessly helped Wish with many illnesses, the Caregiver Support Program, the dedicated staff members in the Emergency Room and ICU for all of the compassion they showed Wish, and his family at Marshfield Medical Center- Dickinson Hospital.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to Wounded Warriors Project in his name at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or Wounded Warrior Project
PO BOX 758516 Topeka, KS 66675.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of "Wish" Wilfred G. Olson online at https://www.ernashfuneralhomes.com/
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.