Robert J. Olsen, age 85, of West Bend, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at the Samaritan Health Center.
He was born on March 11, 1921 in Wittenberg to the late Arthur and Vera (nee Gogolin) Olsen. He graduated from Wittenberg High School in the class of 1939. Robert served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. during WW II in the Pacific Theater and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his discharge, Robert attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated with a degree in science. He then moved to West Bend and worked as comptroller and office manager for Enger Kress. The last several years before his retirement in 1983 he worked for Hartford Hospital.
Robert was a member of the Fred A. Schaefer VFW post # 1393 and the West Bend Lions Club. He helped start and was a coach for the West Bend Little League. He enjoyed baseball, bowling, fishing and hunting.
Robert is survived by five children, Carla (Ralph) Gengler of Campbellsport, Catherine (special friend Dean Harthum) Engel of West Bend, David (Beth) Olsen of West Bend, Alan (Kathleen) Olsen of Germantown, and Andrea Olsen of Grafton; three grandchildren, Krista (Matt) Dwyer of Kewaskum, Anthony (Gretchen) Engel of Hartford, and Mariana (Jeff) Tetzlaff of West Bend; three great-grandchildren, Cayden Dwyer, Rylie Dwyer, and Ethan Engel; a sister, Dorothy VanVlett of Berne, IN; a brother, Donald (Jean) Olsen of Shawano, a sister-in-law, Claire Olsen of Sturgeon Bay; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his former wife Carmen Olsen, along with three brothers, Harold, Lyle, and Leroy.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Robert's life will be held on Friday, October 6th at 7:00 pm at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, West Bend. Rev. David Schoob will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4:30 pm until the time of service.
Memorials to the West Bend Little League Association are appreciated.