Raymond A. Olson

Raymond A. Olson, was born in the stonehouse on M-35 in Ford River on December 2, 1933 to Charles and Rose (Hartweg) Olson.  He was the youngest of five boys.

He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1952 and married Mary Ann Santimore.  He was employed as a driver for Bink’s Coca Cola until entering the Michigan State Police on April 9, 1956.  During his career he was stationed at Iron Mountain, Pontiac, West Branch, Bridgeport, and Northville.  He retired on June 30, 1985, with the rank of Sergeant.  He then began a new career as Supervisor with the Saginaw County Emergency Dispatch until 1994, when he and Mary Ann returned to their hometown of Escanaba.  Mary Ann predeceased him in August 1998.

On June 26, 1999, Ray married Dorothy (Gustafson) Lofquist, who had been bridal attendant at his wedding to Mary Ann, and they recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Ray was a member of the barbershoppers and Golden Kiwanis which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Ray is survived by his wife, Dorothy. Ray is survived by his daughters Mary Kay (Ken) Hall, Saginaw, Kathie (Ken) Gillard, Bay City, and son Chris (Dixie) Olson, Bella Vista, AR.  Step children Tom (Christine) Lofquist, Escanaba, Bill (Marcy) Lofquist, Ford River, and Cathy (Jeff) Marchell, Ball Ground, GA.  Grandchildren Ken (Melissa) Hall, Ray (Lauren) Hall, Jay (Jennifer) Hall, Peter Gillard, Amanda Mafemi, Danny (Nikki) Olson, Noah Olson, Jamie (Jason) Hicks.  Step Grandchildren Tracy (Matt) Maskart, Liza (Andrew) Soubel, Nicole (Joe) Osmolski, Jason (Kacey) Lofquist, Renee (Steve)McNutt, Sarah (Kory) Otradovec, Jaimee (Brock) Larson, Vikki (Nick) Kotowski, Linda and Scott Lofquist, Chris and Jenny Allen, and many great and great- great grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ann, brothers Harold, Robert, James, and William; grandsons Brandon Olson, Joe Gillard and Tommy Allen; step sons, David and Bob Lofquist.

Memorials may be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Escanaba or the Salvation Army of Escanaba.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Escanaba.  The Michigan State Police from the Gladstone Post will stand honor guard during the time of visitation in honor of Ray for his dedicated service to the Michigan State Police. Funeral services celebrating the life of Ray Olson will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Ben Ramthun officiating.  A funeral luncheon will be provided in the church fellowship hall following the funeral services.  Burial will take place at Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

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