Sam R. Olson

Of Vernon, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on February 3, 2024 at the age of 75.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sue Olson of 56 years; loving father of Michelle (Tim) McAleavey, Tyson (Sarah) Olson, and Samantha (David) Helgert; proud grandfather of Tyler Olson, Mariah (Ryan) Carey, Justin (Andrea) Olson, Zack Helgert, and Alexis Helgert; great-grandfather of Joshua Olson; his siblings, Raymond (Pam) Olson, Sally (Paul) Szczerbinski, Susan (Roscoe) Olson, Joey Mathers, and Dawn Pease.  He is further survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Virginia Olson, a brother, Barry (Susan) Olson, brother-in-law Butch (Dagmar) Fredrick and brother-in-law Tom (Sandy) Wellbaum.

Sam lived 70 years of his life on the Olson family farm.  He was a third generation to do so.  He grew up as a farm kid,  He loved the land and the outdoors.  Sam got a 1940’s John Deere tractor and his dad and him completely rebuilt this tractor.  This was his pride and joy.  Sam worked 50 years and retired from Waukesha Motor’s in 2014.  He loved retirement!  He had 10 years to do what he wanted to do.  And what he wanted to do was help family and friends when he was called. 

He also loved to ride his lawn mower with his kids and grandkids and now with his great-grandson Joshua.  They all got their turns during the years.  Sam also searched the farm and found the special maple tree which he planted on our land for each of our 5 grandchildren.  We, as a family, will be planting a tree for our great-grandson Joshua this spring.

And now mostly, Sam loved to play cards.  The name of the game, Cribbage!   Everyone knew that’s what made him so happy.  Sam was a happy-outgoing-generous-kind person.  He was loved by family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home (930 Main St. Mukwonago) from11:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 PM.  Burial will follow at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Mukwonago.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the Salvation Army of Waukesha County.