Donald Lee Olson, 81, of Michigan City, Ind., passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in his home.
He was born Feb. 3, 1940, in Omaha, Neb., to Fred and Rose Swartzlander. He was adopted by Melvin and Mildred (Garwood) Olson after the death of his mother and enlistment of his father into the service.
Donald graduated from high school in Westville, Ind. He honorably served his country in the United States Army for six years. He was a member of Door Village United Methodist Church and Door Village Lions – International Association of Lions Clubs, Division 25A. Donald retired from Weil-McLain, Michigan City, after 11 years. He enjoyed traveling, antiquing and woodworking.
On May 26, 1989, in Orlando, Fla., he married Bonnie Louise (Large) Olson, who survives.
Also surviving are two children, Julie (Matt) Reed of New Carlisle, Ind., and Douglas (Tia) Olson of Dowagiac, Mich.; two stepsons, Jerry Shepherd and Don Barden, both of La Porte; one sister, Maryann (Dave) Sommers of Grandville, Mich.; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; adoptive parents; two sisters, Darlene and Shirley; and one brother, Fred Swartzlander.
A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, La Porte, with Pastor Sam Polito officiating. Visitation and viewing will be at the funeral home Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Carmel Cemetery, La Porte.
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