Richard Wendell Olsen

Richard W. Olsen (Wendell), age 80, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024. He was born on March 18th, 1943, in Boston Massachusetts to Robert W. and Winifred G. (Sanford) Olsen. After graduating from Chesterton, Indiana High School, Wendell enlisted in the Air Force and served his country for 4 years, receiving the Good Conduct Medal. He graduated from THE Ohio State University and was a die-hard buckeye! He always cheered on the women’s basketball team and teased his favorite color was RED. Wendell went on to enjoy a long career in the insurance industry. Wendell had such a calm spirit and was a gentle spiritual soul. He would take his time working meticulously through things and was very patient. He had the best sense of humor and could tell a good story. His belly laugh at random corny jokes will certainly be missed. He loved history and trivia. Old Turner classic movies, mystery sleuth shows, and even sci-fi were among his favorites. Some of his other interests were dancing and singing with the Mudge’s Follies productions for several years, working on his crypto puzzles, tinkering with his techy gadgets, visiting lighthouses, and one of his favorites…coming up with spectacular surprise gift ideas for our annual family white elephant exchange. You just never knew what to expect each year! He most loved being a grandpa, enjoying family gatherings and especially summer barbeques. Wendell is survived by his loving family: Ruth, his wife of almost 35 years; older sister, Roberta (Bobbie) Dailey, formerly of Chesterton Indiana, younger brother Russel (whom Wendell saved from neighborhood bullies growing up in Chesterton); niece Jodie Black and family in Illinois; nephew Justin Dailey and family of Porter, Indiana; his wife’s children and families and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had several pets throughout the years and was very devoted to caring for them and even taking in strays. Wendell very much enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels outside the windows and always had full bird feeders for them. Memorials can be made in his honor to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48906 (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=cahsad&id=23). A service to celebrate Wendell’s life will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, 3:00 PM at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com

Richard Wendell Olsen

March 18, 1943 - February 17, 2024