James K. Olson

James “Jim” K. Olson, age 89, of Gladstone, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023 at his home in Gladstone. He was born on July 28, 1933 in Cornell, MI, the son of Hjalmer and Bernettie (Carlson) Olson. Jim was raised and attended school in Cornell until the age of 15 when he moved to Watertown, WI to work on a dairy farm. He then went to work at a furniture factory in Rockford, IL at the age of 16. Jim moved back to Delta County and met his future wife, the former Elaine Buckland. The couple wed on April 19, 1952 at The Salvation Army in Escanaba and together shared 65 years of marriage and raised three children. Elaine preceded Jim in death on August 12, 2017. Jim started his working career with DeCock Bottle Gas as a propane delivery driver. He later moved into a management position until his retirement in 1991. During this time, he and his wife, Elaine, owned and operated Olson’s Grocery Store in Flat Rock for many years. Jim was a longtime member of The Salvation Army in Escanaba, serving as church treasurer for 25 years, and also was a member of the Gladstone Swedish Club. He enjoyed deer hunting and spending time with his beloved family – especially attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Jim and Elaine also looked forward to wintering in Florida, creating wonderful memories with family and friends. Jim traveled to Sweden several times and enjoyed getting to know his cousins (Viola, Annika, and Monica) and their families. He kept his home neat and clean, enjoyed yardwork, and loved looking at and buying vehicles. Jim was strong in his faith and family meant the world to him – he will be missed by so many.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Patti (Dennis) Mattonen of Gladstone; son, Cory (Ellen) Olson of Divide, CO; 10 grandchildren, Jarrod Mattonen of Gladstone, Jeremy Olson of Appleton, WI, Justin Mattonen of Cornell, Joshua Mattonen of Gladstone, Heidi Alexander of Marshfield, WI, James Olson of Rapid River, Natalie Boyce of Gladstone, Jonas Olson of Escanaba, Jordan Olson of Medina, OH, and Calleigh Olson of Colorodo Springs, CO; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Debbie Olson of Ocala, FL; siblings, Linnea Buckland of Hudsonville, MI, Melvin (Karen) Olson of Caledonia, MI, Ethel (Mick) Knierim of Grand Rapids, MI, Dale (Connie) Olson of Coral Springs, FL, Gary (Anne) Olson of Gaylord, MI and Debbie (Craig) Krafcheck of Allen, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Craig Olson on November 15, 2022; and siblings, Hjalmer Olson, Linda Jackson, and Clarence Olson.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2023 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Jim will follow at 4:00 p.m., Friday, at The Salvation Army in Escanaba with Captains Doug and Kim Winters officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

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