Gerhard “Harvey” Olson Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at St. Michael’s Ascension Hospital, Stevens Point, WI.
Harvey was born May 25, 1939 to Harvey Olson Sr. and Sylvia (Amundson) Olson in Manitowoc, WI. Harvey married Sonja Krogwold on Nov.15, 1958. Shortly after their marriage, Harvey and Sonja opened OK Hardware in Amherst. Harvey later opened OK Realty in Amherst. He held many positions locally and within the county. He served on the Portage County Board for many years. Harvey was also on the Amherst Fire Department, the Portage County Fair Board, and the Village Board of Amherst. He was 50+ years with The Amherst Lions Club, a board member with The International Bank of Amherst also for 50+ years and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church. He loved his family, the Packers, the Brewers and the Wisconsin Badgers. Harvey was an avid golfer for many years. He also loved to travel. He had many friends from Alaska, Canada, and throughout the United States.
Harvey is survived by his two sons, Mark (Maxeen) Olson of Amherst, WI, and Terry Olson of Minneapolis, MN; his grandchildren: Tim (Krista) Olson of Boulder, CO; Paul (Jenna) Olson of Amherst, WI; Hannah (Lawsen) Swick of Kaukauna, WI; Grace Olson of Amherst, WI; Anna Olson and Brennan Olson, both of Amherst, WI.; his seven great-grandchildren: Tristan, Kai, Norah, Hazel, Theodore, Isaac, and Isaiah, and his special friend Joan Uhl. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Sr. and Sylvia Olson; his wife Sonja Olson and father and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Lorraine Krogwold.
A Graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery on Thursday January 28, 2021 at 10 a.m. Social distancing and masks appreciated. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eugene Uhl Scholarship fund. The Jungers-Holly Funeral Home of Amherst, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.