John J. Olson Sr.

November 7, 1950 - December 13, 2021

John J. Olson, Sr. Faced with the prospect of spending another day in voluntary solitary, John chose to pass into the eternal love of God. John Joseph Olson, Sr., age 71, of Bangor, MI passed away Monday, December 13, 2021 surrounded by family at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. John was born on November 7th, 1950 in Oak Park, IL, the son of Arthur and Virginia (Clare) Olson and lived in Oak Park and Berwyn for most of his life. Settling into retirement in Bangor in 2018, John was elated to finally leave the police state and ease into retirement. He was a former lineman with the Northwestern Railroad Company. He loved life, Johnny Cash, Arnold Murray, beer, The War room, and spending time with family. Other enjoyments included; tending to his Jerusalem artichokes, raspberry bushes, planting balsam firs and peach trees, fishing, camping, biblical mathematics, hours on his riding lawn mower, walks in nature, reading manuals and belly laughing with his favorite child, John Jr. He was a member of the local American Legion Post #160 in Bangor, MI. Surviving are his three children, daughter, Tracy (Alex) Ilich of Chicago, IL, Timothy (Kristen) Olson of La Grange Park, IL, John Jr. (Stephanie) Olson of Wentzville, MO. His five grandchildren gave him the utmost contentment; John III, Cecila, Ameila, Mallory & Ryan Olson brought him a new perspective and joy. John’s five 5 sisters helped shape the man he became; Mary Lou (William) Quirk, Jean (Bob Bezouska) Meko, Eilleen (Christoher) Messino, Joan (William) Baldermann, Catherine (Frank) Kekstadt; 4 brothers, Arthur (Linda), Terry (Coleen), Patrick (Allison), Michael Olson; Being one of ten children, John had countless nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Olson and brothers-in-law, Christopher Messino and Frank Kekstadt. Visitation will be held in the Bangor Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home on December 16th from 12:00-1:00 PM followed by a service and procession to his final resting place in Arlington Hill Cemetery, which he viewed daily from his kitchen window. A luncheon to celebrate his life will immediately follow burial at The American Legion, Post #160, 19 N. Center St., Bangor, MI. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers please consider https://childrenshealthdefense.org