Gerald Russel Olsen's Obituary
Gerald Russel Olsen passed away on July 10, 2024 at the age of 98. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan on April 20, 1926. He attended the Muskegon High School and was an alumnus of the University of Michigan's School of Business Administration. He obtained his M.A. in school administration from Michigan State University. He took graduate studies in economics from Princeton University. He served the United States Navy during World War II and became a Foreign Service Officer (diplomat) for 24 years serving Italy, Cuba, Sweden, France and Venezuela. After retiring as diplomat, he was appointed by the Department of the Treasury, Washington, D.C. as Deputy Director of the United States Saudi Arabian Joint Economic Commission overseeing 20 Saudi Arabian governmental projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After his retirement from his second government position, he and his wife managed the Olsen's Cottages Management Company on Lake Michigan between the state park and Pioneer Park. He and his cousins, Carl Olsen and Chris Olsen were also involved in house building in the North Muskegon area. He was a faithful member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church where his grandfather built the first church before its inauguration in 1883. It is now named Harbor of Grace Lutheran Church. He was a member of Torch Club (no longer in existence) and became its president from 2007-2008 and Town Club, a dance club. He volunteered for Salvation Army and was on the Board from 1980's to 1990's and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), an affiliate of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. Gerry as he was fondly called was a voracious reader. He enjoyed traveling, dancing, house building, carpentry, playing piano, tennis and the arts.
He is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 41 years, Myrna; children Linnea Williams of London, England (Dr. Adrian), Laura Jones of Walnut Creek, CA (Richard), Lisa Cole of Orange County, CA (Mike) and Steven (Ann Arbor, MI), grandchildren: Sarah Long (Will) London, Alec Williams (Alice) London, Henry Williams (Ally) London, Jason Ossenmacher (Karla) California, Caroline Hoffman (Alec) California, great grandchildren: Charlie Long (London), Ella Long (London), Oskar Williams (London), Noah Williams (London), Harper Williams (London) Riley Ossenmacher (California), Holly Hoffman (California), a nephew, Tim Olsen of Denver, CO nieces, Kristin Olsen and Siri Neilly, Colorado and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Russel and Pearl Olsen, brother and sister-in-law Benjamin Olsen and his wife Evelyn.
Visitation will be held 6-8 PM Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. A Memorial Service with Pastor Jack Ferra officiating will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at Harbor of Grace Lutheran Church, 1132 W. Southern Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441. Please consider making a memorial donation to Harbor of Grace Lutheran Church or to the Harbor Hospice Foundation, 1050 W Western Ave., #400, Muskegon, MI 49441. Sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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