Gary L. Olsen's Obituary
Gary Olsen, age 73, passed away at his home in Muskegon on Sunday, April 9, 2023, after a longtime illness. Gary was born on March 14, 1950, in Fremont, MI, but moved to Muskegon shortly after and spent the rest of his life there. On September 14, 1990, he married the former Kim White, and he was a loving husband and friend to her for the 32 wonderful years they spent together. Gary worked as a tool and die setter for Stanco Metal Products for many years before retiring in 2012. After his retirement he went back to work for a few years in the warehouse for Erickson’s in North Muskegon. Gary had a lifelong passion for racing and was a mechanic for many years for a few drivers at Thunderbird Raceway. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, and more recently he enjoyed riding in his dune buggy at the Silver Lake sand dunes. He liked rock and roll music and was a great cook with an appreciation for good food. Over the years he went on many spontaneous trips around the country with Kim looking for the best places to eat. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kim Olsen; three sisters: Janice Rose, Cheryl Redman, and Sandra (James) Ryan; mother in-law, Bernadine White; two sisters in-law: Melodie (Tim) Thielbar and Karin (Warren) Barnhard; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Schutt; daughter, Tracy Six; father in-law, Robert White; two brothers in-law: Terry Rose and Rick White; and a beloved chocolate lab named Nestle. The family would like to express special thanks to the hospice nurses and his sister in-law, Karin, for the love and support that they have shown to Gary and his family. There will be a celebration of life for Gary taking place at a later date. Please consider making a contribution in Gary’s memory to The ProMedica Memorial Hospice Fund. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49442. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Gary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gary?
Share a story where Gary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gary you’ll never forget.
How did Gary make you smile?