Obituary: Emery ‘Ole’ Oleson

Emery “Ole” Oleson, 92, Sturgeon Bay businessman, died Friday afternoon, January 12, 2018 at Sturgeon Bay Health Services following a long illness.

He was born January 15, 1925 on Washington Island, the son of the late Frank and Mary (Knudsen) Oleson. Following his graduation from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1943, Emery entered the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was put into action during WWII, flying on the B-17s for 35 missions over Europe.

Following his honorable discharge, Emery married Arline Laverne Stephenson on December 17, 1947 in Iowa. He worked for Bay Shipbuilding Co. and Kellstrom Realty. Emery and Arline eventually owned and operated Emery Oleson Realty and built Ole’s Mini Storage in Sturgeon Bay (which spanned nearly 20 years).

Emery was a member of the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church and its Men’s Club.

He is survived by his two sons, Mike (Peggy) Oleson of Marblehead, MA and Robert (Carol) Oleson of Rothschild, WI; six grandchildren, Derek, Jeremy, Scott, Melody, Tim, and Christie; and three great-grandchildren, Lydia, Alexander, and Theodore.

Emery was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marlene, and three brothers, Maynard, Roger and Peter.

His life will be honored a funeral service held at 1:30 pm on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with Rev. David Leistra officiating. Military Honors by the United States Air Force will follow at the funeral home. Emery will be laid to rest by his dear wife, Arline, in Bayside Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay, Thursday evening, from 5 pm until 7 pm and on Friday from noon until the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Emery may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.