Elaine M. Olson, age 82, of 2702 4th Ave. W. in Gladstone, passed away Saturday morning, August 12, 2017 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. She was born on August 20, 1934 in Escanaba, the daughter of Ernest and Margaret (Larson) Buckland. Elaine grew up in Escanaba and graduated from Gladstone High School. Following school, she worked at Neisner’s in Escanaba. The former Elaine Buckland married James Olson on April 19, 1952 at the Salvation Army in Escanaba. Together, the couple shared 65 years of marriage and raised three children. Elaine and Jim owned and operated Olson’s Grocery Store in Flat Rock for many years. After the store was sold, she went on to work at JC Penny’s in Gladstone and later at Mode O Day. Elaine was a member of the Salvation Army in Escanaba, and also a member of the Salvation Army Home League. She and Jim enjoyed wintering in Florida for the past 27 years, creating wonderful memories with family and friends. Elaine also enjoyed working on puzzles, sewing, and watching the Detroit Tigers and Green Bay Packers. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, constantly running around to their activities and spending time with them. Elaine was strong in her faith and family meant the world to her. She will be missed by so many. 

Elaine M. Olson is survived by husband, James of Gladstone; daughter, Patti (Dennis) Mattonen of Gladstone; sons, Craig (Debbie) Olson of Elizabeth, IL, and Cory (Ellen) Olson of Mt. Orab, OH; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Alvin (Marylee) Buckland of Pineridge, MI, Duane (Sandy) Buckland of Soo Hill, and Dennis Buckland of Danforth; 3 sisters, Lois Levesque of Brooklyn, MI, Vicky (Don) Karl of Oshkosh, WI, and Sharon Davis of Escanaba; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Elaine was preceded in death by siblings, Jackie Lynaugh, Betsy Skrede, Jean Smith, Shirley Larson, Keith Buckland, and infant sister, Marilyn Buckland. 

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Elaine will follow at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Salvation Army in Escanaba with Major Ralph Hansen officiating. A luncheon will be served afterward in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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