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Obituary: Michael T. Olson

May 5, 1946 ~ February 18, 2023

Michael T. Olson, 76 of Ellison Bay, died Saturday February 18, 2023, at Door County Medical Center after living with Parkinson’s the past few years. 

He was born May 5, 1946 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of the late Clyde and Bessie (Tong) Olson.  Mike graduated from Gibraltar High School in 1964.  On November 6, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart Mary J. Smith at St. Rosalia’s before being drafted into the U.S. Marines to serve in Vietnam from 1966-1968.  Mike started at PBI welding and eventually worked his way up to project manager at PBI and with Project Management Solutions.  He worked 28 years with PBI here in Sturgeon Bay and in Louisiana. 

Mike was a member and past commander of VFW Post 8337 in Ellison Bay. 

From an early age, Mike loved adventure and the outdoors.   His time spent outdoors was with the wind in his face riding a motorcycle, hunting, fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing with his family and friends.   Mike enjoyed working on collectable cars and hanging out with his Sister Bay car group. 

He was an all-around great guy, selfless, giving of himself when you needed a hand.   Mike never passed up a chance to offer stopping to eat with those he would be around or find an excuse to stop for ice cream. 

Surviving family include his wife, Mary of Ellison Bay; two sons, Christopher (Melissa) Olson, David (special friend, Darcey) Olson both of Sturgeon Bay; grandchildren, Monica (Craig) Turner, Matthew (Kayla) Olson, Melanie (Martin) Ramirez, Marshall (Taylor) Olson, Levi (finance, Lexi Lautenbach) Olson, William Olson, Emma Olson, Josephine Olson, Ava (special friend, Mack Ellison) Olson, Jackson Olson; twelve great-grandchildren with #13 on the way;  brother, Robert (Carol) Olson; Smith family in-laws, Yvonne (James) Speiser, Kathy Manson, Michael Smith, Thomas Smith, Richard Smith, Debbie (Don) Lettie, Bruce Smith, Brian Smith, Annette Nagel Olson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Preceding him in death was his parents, Clyde and Bessie Olson, and his brother, James Olson. 

Funeral Mass and military honors occurred on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Stella Maris Parish in Sister Bay with Fr. Tom Farrell officiating.  Burial was at Ellison Bay Cemetery.  

Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay, WI assisted with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos may be shared on the tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.