Richard Olson

VERONA / BIRCHWOOD – Richard C. “Dick” Olson, age 74, passed away (tipped over) on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, in Waukesha, Wis.

Dick was born on Sept. 25, 1940, to J.C. and Agnes M. (Bernard) Olson. He attended school in Verona, and went on to work for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as a materials engineering specialist, retiring at age 55 with 35 years of service to the State. He was among the first in the State to receive professional certifications in Materials Testing and Sampling. On Feb. 2, 1963, he married Loretta Shefka and they raised three children.

Dick built his own stock cars and raced them at the Oregon, Jefferson, and Columbus raceways for several years taking first place many times. He enjoyed riding snowmobiles, and was an active member (Trail Master) of the Speedway Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club and the Birchwood Bobcat Snowmobile Club. He also rode ATV’s and was a member of the Birchwood Bobcat ATV Club. He was a lifelong NASCAR fan. He spent much of his free time working on various projects, the largest being designing and building a retirement home in Birchwood, Wis., where he spent most of his time. He was very handy and could design, build and repair just about anything. Whenever he was not working, he could always be counted on to help and he will be remembered by most as having a gentle nature and a great sense of humor.

Dick is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Loretta Olson; his children, Raymond J. (Judy) Olson of Wausau, Wis., Anna M. Olson of Sun Prairie, Wis., and Pamela K. (Feroz) Ghouse of Waukesha, Wis.; and grandchildren, Kristopher, Alexander, Kaitlyn, Ryan, and Donald. He is also survived by his brother, John H. Olson, and his dog, “Jake”. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Catherine A. Larson; granddaughter, Ashley M. Olson; and two dogs, “Lady” and “Summer”.

A special thank you to Seasons Hospice in Waukesha, Doctors Granville Lloyd and Robert Hegeman, and the staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Memorials may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 220 Enterprise Drive, in Verona, at 12 noon, with a visitation from 10 a.m. until noon. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com