Ronald Richard Olson

Madison -- Ronald Richard Olson, age 73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Antigo, Wisconsin on July 14, 1935, the son of Bernard and Rose (Schobert) Olson. Ron graduated from Beaver Dam High School. He was united in marriage to Geraldine Geissler on April 14, 1963 in Farmington, Wisconsin. Ron worked for over 50 years as a non-food salesman to grocery stores in southern Wisconsin, first for DeMars and then for E.Z. Gregory. He was lovingly called ""Junkman"". Ron was a co-owner of Doorstep Video.

Ron was known for his love of jokes and enjoyed playing golf and tennis. He hosted a tennis league as his home court for over 25 years. Ron was a great fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, and enjoyed going to any sporting event, especially his grandchildren's. He was a veteran tailgater of all Big Ten stadiums. Ron was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie.

Ron is loved and remembered by his wife of 46 years, Geraldine Olson; his children, Eric (Erika) Olson of Sun Prairie, Beth (Stephen) Sepulveda of Reston, VA and Amy (Michael) Marcou of La Crosse; grandchildren, Emily and Ian Olson, Peter and Anna Sepulveda and Jacob and Johnathan Marcou; foster son, Gerald Lupi; brothers, Bernard (Buzz) Olson of Marshall and Ray (Lynne) Olson of Janesville; sisters, Rosemary Hinz of Fort Atkinson and Karen Meyer of Stanwood, WA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH, 300 Broadway Street, Sun Prairie, on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Steve Mueller and Charlie Brandt officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Madison. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, on Friday, June 12, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday, June 13, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Rd. Madison, WI 53717 or HospiceCare Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI. 53711.