Ole Olsen, age 93, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2013 at Big Sky Care Center. Ole was born in Great Falls, Montana to Olaf and Nellie Olsen on July 18, 1919. He grew up with his four brothers and sisters in the Boston Heights neighborhood where he developed many lifelong friendships. He graduated from Great Falls High School. As a youth, Ole played hockey on the Great Falls Hockey team and played the clarinet. During World War II, he served in the Army 10th Mountain Division. In 1943, before shipping off to World War II, he married Annabel VanCleve, in Great Falls. They were married for 66 years until 2011 when Annabel died. Ole saw action in Sitka, Alaska, and Italy where he earned two Bronze Stars. After the war he used the GI Bill to attend watch making school in Los Angeles. He and Annabel settled in Great Falls where he owned and operated Olsen’s Jewelry. In the 1960s he sold the store and went to work in the Cascade Count Assessor’s office. In 1967 they moved to Helena where he worked for the State Revenue Department until retiring in the eighties.
Both of his parents were Norwegian immigrants as were several of his aunts and uncles. The American branches of the family formed a tight bond that resulted in Ole’s strong devotion to family. He grew up celebrating holidays with lutefisk and fattigmand and passed these traditions along to the next generation. Ole and Annabel had three children in whom they instilled the values of hard work, frugality, and love of family.
Ole loved people and had a wide range of interests. He and Annabel traveled all over the United States visiting family and friends along the way. They traveled Europe to explore Ole’s Norwegian roots, Annabel’s Dutch roots, and visit the places Ole fought through during World War II. Ole had always been a collector and after retiring, he enjoyed scouring garage sales and second hand stores looking for treasures. He concentrated on Montana brewery items and amassed a vast array of valuable items. He was instrumental in establishing the Big Sky Chapter of Beer Can Collectors and traveled across the United States to attend National and Regional Conventions.
Ole is survived by his children, Donna (Keith) Kohnke of Billings, David (Leona) Olsen of Helena, and Dale (Gail) Olsen of Cottonwood, AZ; his grandchildren, Amy, Jenny, Todd, and Rachel; great-granddaughters Kaitlin, McKenzie and Lauren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his cousins John and Lillie.
Cremation has taken place and services will take place at a later date. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Ole.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Ken McElroy says
I have very fond memories of growing up in Great Falls with Ole and family as neighbors. Ole was the de facto neighborhood baseball coach and taught us neighborhood kids lots about the game he loved. I used to love visiting his shop downtown and hearing the many clocks chime. He was a great neighbor and I always enjoyed visiting with him when we crossed paths here in Helena in the more recent past.
Jodi Wall says
So sorry for your loss. He sounded like a wonderful man – I know you will miss him. Our love and thoughts are with all of you during this time.
The Wall Family
Joyce & Larry says
So many wonderful memories of our dear Uncle Ole. He was the best Uncle and friend one could have. Our many trips to Great Falls, to Hockey games and the clock shop. Also, all the trips he and family made to the ranch. The Agate hunting and beer can collecting ventures were all so fun. I can still hear his exclamation when we last visited at Sun Haven. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Steve Armstrong says
I knew Ole through the Big Sky Chapter, Beer Can Collectors of America. I first met Ole when I was still in high school, about 1980. He was always willing to help a new collector and we had many interesting conversations through the years. His brewery collection was amazing and it was always a treat to go visit him and see what new and unusal piece he had added to the collection since my last visit. Everybody looked forward to seeing Ole at the trade shows and when he wasn’t able to participate the past few years, his presence was missed by all. I hope all the fond memories you have of both Ole and Annabel help you through this difficult time. Take care.
Susan Olsen says
Ole was one of my dad’s favorite cousins. I loved visiting Ole and Annabelle growing up as they were always so nice and so YOUNG at heart. It wasn’t like visiting other older people as they just seemed to know how to talk to me, not down to me. They were so fun. I just thought he would live forever. I am so sorry. He will be remembered!
Brad Watson says
My Dad and Ole were good friends and I got to know Ole when he would stop at the City Bar in Great Falls to visit. He will be remembered fondly.
Mike Fisher says
My acquaintence with Ole is through our mutual interest in beer cans and breweriana. Let me tell you that Ole was one of the nicest persons I have ever know in in life and I am not a young person. Over the course of your life, one meets a lot of people. Ole was one of those your regard to be special. I am sure all of you in the immediate family – David (whom I have met), Donna and Dale read my words and much too short thought I have about your father many knew as “Ole.” Your father was special and his kindness extraordinary. He lived as long as he could because he loved life and those around him and your mother. You are most fortunate that he was in our presences for so long. I will never forget his unselfish light heartenessand and joy he always displayed when he was in my presence. Ole was truely a wonderful person – one of only a few you meet in a lifetime. My best to all of you.