Jeffrey Olson, 66, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, July 17th, 2021 in Weyauwega, WI.
Jeff was born June 13th, 1955 in Waupaca, WI to Carlyle and Gertrude Olson. Jeff’s early years were rambunctious and rowdy, and he was equal parts romantic and rebel. His first wife recounts, as teenagers, “He would serenade me while I stood on my balcony, and when leaving would yell “I love you!” from every block and street corner until he was back at his own home. He was my Romeo.”
Jeff was married to Julie Marquard (Forseth) in 1974 and together had four children- Joni, Carrie, Mike, and Jon.
In 1994, Jeff was married to his second love, Maureen Walsh (Olson). Together they had one son, Nathan.
Jeff was a kitchen wizard, and entrepreneur. He worked as a Chef at the Waupaca Country Club for many years, and also owned and operated the Waupaca Cafe on two separate occasions – first with his beloved mother, later with his wife, Maureen. He prided himself on maintaining a classic aesthetic for the cafe, and loved to display historical pictures of the city he was born and raised in. It was one of his life joys to shoot the breeze with his friends and customers during the Cafe years.
Jeff’s children were the light of his life, and he cherished spending time with them. Jeff loved being outdoors. If it was raining, you would find him outside watching the storms. He also enjoyed fishing, felling wood, and campfires. Jeff was incredibly handy, and loved to tinker. He had a tool for most jobs, and liked to tackle DIY projects.
Jeff spent the last years of his life under the care of the Crossroads Care Center team. There, he made many friends, and was known as the angry spitting llama for his grumpy old man temperament- but despite the llama act, those who knew Jeff enjoyed his charm, wit, and quirky sense of humor.
Jeff was very charismatic, and always made those he loved know it. He also loved to be a smartass, and enjoyed a good prank. He will be dearly missed by all that had the pleasure to know and love him.
He will be sadly missed by his children: Joanna (Adam) Tevis; Carrie (Scott) Zastoupil; Michael (Heather) Riverun; Jonathan Olson; and Nathaniel Olson; brothers: Tom (Linda) Olson and Bryan Olson; brother-in- law: Rick Sweetalla; and 4 grandchildren: Anthony, Faith, Ethan, & Ethereal; one great grandchild, Amaia; nieces and nephews, and many friends and loved ones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Maureen, and his sister, Roxy Sweetalla.
The Memorial Service will be on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Maple Crest Funeral Home of Wauapaca. The visitation will be on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.