Eugene R. “Gene” Olson

Eugene R. (Gene) Olson passed away at the age of 83 on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at 7:15 p.m. at the Healthwin Specialized Care Facility, South Bend, Indiana, from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

Gene was born on August 4, 1930, in South Bend, Indiana, to Oswald and Jennie (Mortenson) Olson, who both preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his brother, Dr. Donald Olson and his sister, Margaret Snyder. Another brother, Glen (Mary Kay) Olson, St. Paul, Minnesota, survives.

He graduated from Central High School in 1948 where he enjoyed playing basketball. He was in the Naval Reserves and was a very proud veteran. His working career of over 40 years was spent at South Bend Supply Company.

On June 10, 1950, he married Cathryn (Cassie) DeMunck at Holy Cross Catholic Church. They were blessed with four children, Gregory (Kathryn) Olson, Granger, Indiana, Jennifer Olson, Plano, Texas, Lisabeth Olson-Hack, Columbia, South Carolina, and Jonathon Olson, Maui, Hawaii. Also surviving are six grandchildren Ryan (Erin Jones) Owen, Jason (Shannon) Owen, Joshua Hack, Lucas (Charla) Hack, Drew Olson and Abigail Olson along with three great-grandchildren Eli Owen, Hannah Owen, and Asher Jones Owen.

Gene led a full and fruitful life. He was selfless and so generous with his time and talents, especially his handyman skills. He doted on all of his grandchildren. He was very involved with his Church and also the Elks Club. He was a Cub Scout scoutmaster and a Little League coach. His hobbies included golf, fishing, card playing and ping pong at the Battell Center. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame and IU fan. At Healthwin, he kept active with bingo, horse racing, and woodworking (bird houses). He especially enjoyed the music programs.

The family would like to thank the doctors and the medical personnel and staff at Healthwin for making Eugene's last years' comfortable.

Family and friends may visit at Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street, South Bend, Indiana, on Friday, June 20, 2014, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 51900 Mayflower Road, South Bend, Indiana, at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2014, with an hour visitation prior. Graveside Services will follow at Highland Cemetery, Portage Avenue, South Bend, Indiana. A luncheon will be provided back at Holy Trinity immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be made in Eugene's honor to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 51900 Mayflower Rd., South Bend, Indiana, 46628, or the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21741.

08/06/2022 EJS