Paul Olson

Stoughton- Paul N. Olson, age 83, passed away at Stoughton Hospital on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. He was born on February 20, 1930, a son of Percy L. and Beatrice (Nelson) Olson. Paul attended Hanerville Country School and graduated with honors, as President of his class, from Stoughton High School in 1948. He graduated from the Milwaukee School of Mortuary Science in 1951. Paul was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country for two years, stationed in a government run mortuary in Frankfurt, Germany. In 1952 Paul's father took the opportunity to purchase part of the Cummings Funeral Home for Paul. After completing military service, Paul owned and operated the funeral home, which was renamed Edison-Olson Funeral Home and later Olson-Holzhuter, as a partnership for 43 years. Anticipating retirement, Paul sold his partnership to Cress 20 years ago, but continued to do the work he loved until shortly before his death. Paul spent his life serving his community, and knew nearly everyone by their first name. His gentle guidance was a comfort to generations of families. Paul was a true gentleman, showing the same humility and kindness to everyone he dealt with. In addition to his work, Paul was an active member of many organizations, including the Stoughton VFW Post 328, Stoughton American Legion Post 59, Stoughton Rotary Club and Kegonsa Masonic Lodge #73. He served as president of the South Central WI Funeral Directors Association and was active on the Board of Riverside Cemetery. Paul was a devoted life member of First Lutheran Church. He received the Stoughton Community Appreciation Award in 2004, Mason of the Year Award, and was inducted into the Stoughton Hall of Fame in 2011. Paul is survived by his sister-in-law, Donna Olson; nieces and nephews, Nancy (Bob) Grabowski of Mansfield, Texas, Doug (Lisa) Olson, Cathy (Dan) Furseth and James Olson, all of Stoughton, Judy Boswell of Okeechobee, FL, Jay (Kelli) Jordan of Alpharetta, GA, Jerry Jordan of Sandy Springs, GA and Jeff (Rebecca) Jordan of Woodstock, GA; many great nieces and great nephews; cousins; and many friends. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marjorie (Louis) Jordan; twin brother, Roger; nephew, David; and an infant niece, Mary. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington Street, Stoughton, with Rev. Richard Halom officiating. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, following the burial, in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, May 31, 2013 at Olson-Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services at church on Saturday. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to First Lutheran Church or Stoughton Hospital.
Olson-Cress Funeral Home
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244