David E. Olson

OLSON, David E.
Kalamazoo David E. Olson of Kalamazoo, MI, formerly of Plainwell and Romeo, passed away peacefully from ALS on November 30, 2014, in the comfort of his home. David was born January 8, 1952, in South Haven MI, to his loving parents, Laura and David L. Olson of Bangor, MI. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University in 1974, and also attended Eastern Michigan University where he earned his Master's Degree. He retired in 2007 from his position as an adult education administrator at Allegan County Technical and Education Center. Prior jobs included Plainwell Community Schools and Romeo Public Schools. He was preceded in death by his father, David L. Olson. He is survived by his wife Cindy Olson, his mother Laura Olson, brother Stefan Olson and sister-in-law Elizabeth, his former spouse Janice Olson and their children Courtney and Neal Olson, step-children Kristen Stoner, Tammy Goodine, and Jonathan Stoner, nephew John Olson and niece Kate Olson, and grand-children Alicia Poschke and Adelyn Goodine, as well as the many close friends who loved him and knew him as family. Dave was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, camping, canoeing, and bird watching. He hiked the Grand Canyon with friends, and loved the Picture Rocks of the Upper Peninsula. He found time for reflection when surrounded by Nature. He enjoyed his Finnish heritage and could always strike up conversations with strangers. He was a loving father, and enjoyed discussing and watching sports with both his daughter Courtney and his son Neal. He also enjoyed traveling and loved music - especially a good live band. He could listen to Motown all day long without moving the dial. He enjoyed dancing, art, photography, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. He satisfied his curiosity about the world by reading, and was always clipping interesting articles to share with friends. He enjoyed watching Western Michigan play basketball. David was a devoted husband, and a loyal friend. One of his close friends said that Dave: "was a good listener, adventurous in spirit, and I admired him and was inspired by his acceptance of ALS and the dignity he showed." Another friend said about Dave: "It's rare to find a true friend who you not only feel close to, but comfortable with... Good friends are hard to come by and shouldn't be lost." The joyful memories his family and friends shared with him will endure far beyond this sorrowful time. Per David's request, in lieu of a funeral, friends and family are invited to an informal gathering to celebrate David's life on Saturday, December 6th from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, at the Langeland Family Funeral Home located at 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent in David's name to the Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 North Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 North Kalamazoo Mall, STE 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.