John O. Olsen, 86

John O. Olsen, 86, passed away peacefully on Jan. 22, 2024, at the Montana Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls. He was born April 5, 1937, to the late Oscar and Opal (Edwards) Olsen in Choteau.

After graduating high school in 1955, John worked on a highway construction crew and then moved to Kalispell. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956 and retired as a major in May of 1977. After retirement the family moved to Bloomington, Illinois, where he worked for Farnsworth and Wylie Engineers and Colonial Bread. In the summer of 1979, he moved to Kalispell where he worked for S&S Logging for 10 years. In 1994 he became the Moose Lodge administrator until his second retirement.

He was a hard worker, as well as a passionate and caring family man. John was always willing to help anyone in need and one of his favorite projects was to support Toys for Tots. He also enjoyed fishing, photography, the L.A. Dodgers and country western music.

John helped to set up and was the first commandant of the Marine Corp League in the valley. He was a member of both the VFW and Moose Lodge.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Minta Mae Schnur; and wife, Mary Lou Olsen (Campbell). 

He is survived by his children, Renae Marie Olsen, Morse (Gina) Olsen; grandchildren, John (Heather) and Brian (Logan); great-granddaughters, Chloe, Payton, and Dylann; also surviving are his siblings, Betty O’Masters and Judy Wicklund; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of John O. Olsen's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Columbia Mortuary, 1010 Fourth Ave. W., Columbia Falls, Montana 59912. Family and friends may begin to visit on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. Inurnment to follow at Conrad Cemetery, 641 Conrad Drive, Kalispell, Montana 59901. 

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to "Toys for Tots." To send online condolences, please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.