James G. Olson, 87

March 07, 2018

James G. Olson, 87, of Lancaster, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of the late Gerhard and Elsa (Rebach) Olson. He was the devoted husband of Rita Borowski Olson, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years of marriage at the time of her passing in May, 2013.

James graduated from Pulaski High School in Milwaukee, WI in 1949, where he was the Class President, Prom King, and star center of the basketball team. After graduating, he began working for the Heil Co. as a draftsman. He honorably served his country with the US Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean conflict, attaining the rank of Sargent, after which he returned to his position with the Heil Co., from where he retired in 1996 after 46 ½ years of service. James enjoyed music, especially Celtic Thunder and Lawrence Welk on Saturday nights. He strongly supported PBS and the Wounded Warrior Project

James leaves behind his children, Judith Berden and her husband David of Mosinee, WI, Paula Hagan of Lancaster, Jane Appleton and her husband Christian of Millersville, and David Olson and his wife Sabra of Boulder, CO. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren, Douglas and his wife Jen, Kate and her husband Jay, Anna and her husband Doug, Ryan and his wife Morgan, Allison, Emily, Steven, and Amber; and 2 great-grandchildren, Elsie and Henry. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sister, Lucille Gillespie.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Laura for such great companionship, and to the staff at LGH’s Trauma Unit for the special care given to James.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, March 13, from 12-1 PM at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17603, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1:00 PM, with Father Lawrence W. Sherdel as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions in James’ memory may be offered to the Wounded Warrior Project, P O Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675-8517, or to any organization that supports macular degeneration research.