Donald “Donnie” “Dog” Edward Olson, 61, of La Porte, Ind. passed away unexpectedly at 10:30 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2020 at La Porte Hospital.
He was born Dec. 23, 1958 in Oak Park, Ill. Donald was raised by his beloved uncle and aunt, Sears and Dorothy Wait.
Donald attended Chesterton High School. He honorably served his country as combat engineer and paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division in the United States Army. He was the union president for Smurfit Stone. Donald was member of Yana Service Club, La Porte and of the Porter County Drill Team for 4-H. He also was part of the grandpa club, having many grandchildren of his own; he adored them all. Donald played co-ed softball and coached girls’ softball in La Porte County. He worked for Field Container, Viking Paper and Quality Packaging. He was an avid Bears Fan. Donnie was always full of humor and loved laughing at goofy topics.
On Dec. 16, 2002, in Las Vegas, Nev., he married, Melissa (Miller) Olson, who survives.
Also surviving are his five children, Kacey (James) Sullivan of La Porte, Nate (Kelsie) Olson of Savanna, Ga. and Raymond Miller, Tiffany Stoll and Christina Stoll, all of La Porte; six sisters, Cheri (Todd) Hobson of Rensselaer, Ind., Ryann (Kurt) Ramer of Westville, Ind. Gayle (Eric) Adams of Westville, Amanda (Steve) Hall of Florida, Tonya (Patrick) Fitzwater of Indianapolis, Ind. and Tara (Bill) Felske of La Porte; three brothers, Bill (Lisa) Olson of Illinois, Greg Olson of Westville and Jeff Olson of Westville; nine grandchildren, Keaton, Kohler, Tyler, Trevor, Trinity, Tanner, Justus, Dominic and Carsyn; uncle, Jim (Derlene) Olson of Chesterton, Ind.; father-in-law, Ray (Charlene) Miller, Jr. of Knox, Ind.; mother-in-law, Rose Krueger of Medaryville; extended family member, Brenda Olson of Westville; and several sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many cousins.
Preceding him in death were his father, Wilmer Donald Olson; aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Sears Wait; and several aunts and uncles.
Cremation will take place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, Ind. (219) 362-3100 is handling the arrangements.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.