WHATCOM COUNTY OBITUARIES OLSEN
OLSEN, Albert Martin, age 84, of 1208 23rd St., passed away in a local hospital, Thursday, Feb. 23, (1961). A resident of Bellingham for the past 56 years, Mr. Olsen was a retired fisherman having been employed by P.A.F. and was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Survivors are his widow, Emma, at home; one son, Alf E. Olsen, of Mt. Vernon, Wash.; three grandchildren; two brothers, Emil and Magnus, both of Bellingham; one brother, Olaf Hanssen and four sisters in Norway. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by Pastor Don Taylor, Monday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. Final resting place Calvary Lutheran Cemetery.
OLSEN, Andrew L. "Jack" age 68, of 2327 Henry St., passed away at home Saturday, April 4, (1959). Mr. Olsen had resided in Bellingham for the past 33 years; was retired from the Seattle First Nat'l. Bank; was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church; was a member of Whatcom Lodge No. 151, F. & A. M. and a life member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 194. Survivors are his widow, Barbara, at home; two daughters, Mrs. Geraldine Harrison, of Los Altos, Calif., and Mrs. Mary Lou Winkler, of La Mesa, Calif.; one son, Capt. Larry Olsen, of Santa Maria, Calif.; 2 grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Betty Lee, of Bellingham; three brothers, John, of Bellingham; Louis and Ras, both of Lewis, Kans. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by Pastor Don Taylor Wednesday, April 8 at 1 p.m.
OLSEN, Anna - Funeral services for Anna Molina "Mollie" Olsen will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in Hope Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Lynden Cemetery. Mrs. Olsen died Sunday (July 27, 1975) in Lynden Christian Rest Home. She was 84. A 54-year resident of Seattle, Mrs. Olsen had made her home in Lynden since 1961. She was a member of Hope Lutheran and the Valkyrian Lodge, Daughters of Norway. Survivors include a daughter, Rogna Bloomer of Lynden; son Kenneth of Seattle; brothers Anton Birkeland of Ada, Minn., and Lars Birkeland of Kingston; sisters Emma Munsen of Seattle; Leda Olsen of Marysville, Marie Harms of Martinez, Calif., and Alma Everson of Ada, Minn.; six grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.
OLSEN, Arthur G., age 80, of Latah, WA, passed away Sat., June 24, 1978. Mr. Olsen was a former resident of Whatcom Co. for over 50 years and had lived the last 2 years in Latah. He was a member of the Ferndale Lutheran Brethren Church and a retired member of the Bellingham Local No. 7 ILWU. He is survived by his wife, Gladys; 1 son, Robert of Snohomish; 2 daughters, Anita Gail Hunt of Circle, Montana and Bernadine Hirschel of Latah, WA; a brother, Lester of B'ham; 15 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, numerous other relatives. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Richard Valvatne, Wed., June 28 at 10:30 a.m. in Moles Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenacres Memorial Park. the family prefers memorials be made to the Bellingham or Ferndale Lutheran Brethren Churches.
OLSEN, Arvin E. passed away after a long illness on August 30, 2004, in Bellingham, surrounded by family and loved ones. Arvin was born July 13, 1915 to Magnus and Benedicte Olsen and was a lifetime resident of Bellingham, Washington. He graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1933. He married his High School sweetheart, Rena LaCasse on September 4, 1937. Arvin was a devoted husband and father of four. After an Alaska fishing experience with his father, he built his first home for his family on Donovan Avenue. Arvin's wife remains in the second home that he built on the South Side (Fairhaven) 51 years ago. Arvin was a Master Shipwright and Craftsman, who began his career at Wrang Shipyard. He moved on to Bellingham Ship-yard, starting as a Loftman, advancing to Superintendent. He was involved in the building of Navy Minesweepers and Landing Craft, Alaska fishing vessels and pleasure boats. The Bellingham Shipyard earned six Navy "E"s, for Excellence for their work for the U.S. Navy. After WWII, the Bellingham Shipyard shifted to a Fiberglass line of sport pleasure boats, called Bell Boy. Arvin ran the production line. It was Bell Boy Boats with their high quality line of fiberglass boats that laid the groundwork for the entire industry that followed. In 1961, United Boats, (Uniflite) called Arvin to become Production Manager and Head of Engineering of the Navy Program. Uniflite was a producer of fiberglass boats, including Yachts Day Cruisers, Sailboats and commercial Fishing boats. They also built the many Navy PBR Gunboats for Vietnam. "At the time of his retirement, Arvin had built a reputation as one of the most respected and competent men in his field. He was a very rare person. One who had an unusual combination of technical and construction skills - virtually every tool he touched, he could use skillfully. Arvin considered boats a way of life for the Scandinavian people and enjoyed building them. He thought the whole thing was a challenge to make a boat come together." SOMEONE SPECIAL, 1/17/83, Bellingham Herald. For years Arvin and family enjoyed taking his own Unitflite cruisers RENEGADE and RENEGADE II, out in the San Juan's. His direction to ALL on board was "trim the boat." Arvin was an avid sports fisherman and enjoyed cruising the San Juan Islands in search of salmon, cod, and the occasional halibut. After retirement Arvin enjoyed maintaining his home and yard. He remained oncall for his children's projects; which could include building decks, fences, doghouses, repairing broken plumbing and leaky roofs. His excellence in carpentry went far beyond the marine field. During his life he built fine furniture, hope chests and interior wall entertainment centers, and even restored and refinished a 100-year-old grandfather's wall clock that once hung for many years at Fairhaven Pharmacy. Also, Arvin enjoyed Casinos, Traveling, and his two grandchildren, playing cribbage, his computer games and watching the Mariners. During his younger years, Arvin enjoyed bowling with his friends and played regularly as a valuable team member. Arvin Olsen spent a lifetime building boats but his legacy far exceeds this. In many ways he was a teacher who passed his skills and knowledge on to others. He worked closely with people and helped them to grow and develop in their craft. Many went on to become accomplished and high trained members of the Marine industry in their own right. Arin played an important role in helping so many young employees earn a good living and better care for their families and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Arvin supported those working for him and cared about them as individuals. In return he was respected and thought well of by the men he worked with and those young fellows working under him. Arvin's son, Gary, remembers that one of his dad's work credos was: "If it's worth doing - it's worth doing right!" Whatever Arvin built was "skookum," tough, well fitting, and built to last. Arvin will be remembered most for his integrity, honesty, and strength of character. He will be fondly remembered for his frugal nature, dry sense of humor, and enormous devotion to his Wife and Family. His parents precede him in death, as have his brother Oscar Olsen of Bellingham and half-brother, Helge Magnusen, of Bardu Norway. Arvin is survived by his beloved wife Rena, son Gary Olsen, of Seattle, daughters Susan Bruland (Dan McClain) of Custer, WA; Kristiann Olsen, Bow, Washington; and Julie Olsen (Wes Ferguson), Bellingham, Washington. Grandchildren, David Teng Olsen and Chritina Olsen (Jesse) Burtner, sisters Ruth Huffine and Hazel Elaine Rairdon of Bellingham. He has many surviving relatives in this Country, as well as in Norway. A graveside service will be held at Greenacres|Moles on Wednesday, September 8, 2004 at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be provided after the service at Greenacres Moles Funeral Home so friends can share remembrances of Arvin.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 5 Sep 2004) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Augusta Helene, age 78, of 1905 22nd St., passed away in a local hospital, Wednesday, July 23, (1958). Mrs. Olsen had resided in this community for the past 47 years and was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Surviving relatives are one son, O. S. Oswald of Bellingham; four daughters, Mrs. C. A. Carlson and Mrs. Percy Johnson, both of Bellingham; Mrs. Nils Stangeland of Seattle and Mrs. Hubert Becker of San Mateo, Calif.; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Emil Engholm of Seattle and Mrs. Henrick Andreason of Bellingham, also four sisters and one brother in Norway. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by pastor Oscar A. Jacobson, Friday, July 25, at 3 p.m. Final resting place Bay View.
OLSEN, Barbara O. - Funeral services for long-time Whatcom County resident Barbara O. Olsen, 92, will be 11 a.m. Monday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with Pastor Jorgen Kappel Hansen officiating. Mrs. Olsen, 2327 Henry St., died Wednesday (Nov. 28, 1990) at her home. A private graveside service for family members will precede the funeral service. Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Westford Funeral Home. Born Barbara Hanse on June 13, 1898, in Webster, S.D., she moved with her family to Whatcom County in 1909. She graduated from Ferndale High School in 1916. In the early 20s, she married Bellingham banker Andrew "Jack" Olsen. He preceded her in death. Mrs. Olsen was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church for 65 years. Survivors include a son, Larry R. Olsen of Bellingham; two daughters, Geraldine Harrison of Los Altos, Calif., and Mary Nolde of Ferguson, Mo.; two sisters, Nina Henschein of Hudson, Wis., and Fern Rembold of Spencer, Iowa; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
OLSEN, Benita Francis - A vigil service for Benita Francis Olsen of Deming will be at 7 p.m. today in the Wexliem Community Center, 2100 Lumi View Drive. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday in the Wexlium community Center. Deacon George Ficken will officiate at both services. Mrs. Olsen died Monday, July 13, 1998, at St. Joseph Hospital. She was 64. Born Sept. 23, 1933 to Bonito and Clara (Cheer) Miranda, she came to Whatcom County 50 years ago and was a Nooksack Tribal Council member and a member of American Legion Post No. 83. She enjoyed collecting antiques and raising her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Tom Warbus; daughter Monica Warbus; Son Freddie Warbus; and two brothers. Survivors include her husband, Ronald Olsen of the family home; sons Tom Warbus of Lummi Reservation, Rony Olsen of Deming and Arne Olsen of Seattle; daughters Veronica Olsen and Carol Olsen, both of California, Lane Warbus of Deming, Dorothy Copeand of Oregon City, Ore., Jackie Julius Sr. of Deming, Tine Brightwell of Everson and Janet Johnnie of Duncan, B.C.; brothers William Miranda and Arne Kleven, both of New Westminster, B.C.; sisters Renee Gong of Everson, Myrna Strachan of Surrey, B.C., and Pearl Hernandez of Montreal; 25 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by Jerns Funeral Chapel.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 16 Jul 1998) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Bertha M. E., age 86, died in a Wenatchee convalescent center Sat. Jan. 21, (1978). Born Sept. 11, 1891 in Wells, Minnesota, she moved with her family to Whatcom County in 1899. She married Birger Olsen in N. Bellingham, Apr. 14, 1900. They farmed until 1926. When her husband became a commercial fisherman they resided in Ketchikan and Bellingham until her husband retired. Bellingham was again her home until she moved to Wenatchee 3 years ago. She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church, Bellingham, the Grange and the Rebeka Lodge. Surviving are 4 daughters, Mrs. Lon (Francise) Sullivan of Fallon, Nevada, Mrs. Claude (Clarice) Sullivan, E. Wenatchee, Mrs. Wayne (Gayle) Sullivan of Wenatchee, Mrs. Merideth (Wilda) Jelsma, Auburn, California. 2 brothers, Henry & William Waschke, Bellingham, 2 sisters, Mrs. Ida Swart and Ms. Marie Myers, Everson, 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Her husband preceded her in death in 1960. Services will be held in the Woodlawn Cemetery Ferndale, Wed. afternoon at 1:00. Pastor Robert E. Johnonson will officiate. Remembrances in her name are suggested to the heart Fund. The interment will follow with arrangements by Jones & Jones Funeral Home of Wenatchee.
OLSEN, Birger O., age 73, of 1701 McKenzie Ave., passed away near LaConner, Sunday, Aug. 21, (1960). Mr. Olsen had resided in Bellingham for the past 56 years; was a retired commercial fisherman on the seiner "Intrepid"; was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Survivors are his widow, Berth E., at home; four daughters, Mrs. Frances Sullivan, of Bellingham, Mrs. Clarice Sullivan and Mrs. Gayle Sullivan, both of Wenatchee and Mrs. Wilda Jelsma, of Seattle; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Hjlmar and Alfred Olsen, both in Norway; numerous nieces and nephews. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by Pastor E. E. Wellman, Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 3 p.m. Final resting place, Woodlawn Cemetery.
OLSEN, Carol, age 74, of 1548 Squalicum Lake Road, passed away in a local hospital November 16, (1958). Mrs. Olsen had resided in this community for the past 10 years and was a member of the Silver Beach Community Church. Survivors are her husband, Willard, at home; two daughters, Mrs. Ruth Bynum, of Long Beach, Calif., and Mrs. Dick Leuning of Yakima; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by the Rev. H. Ellis Honaker Wednesday, November 19 at 1 p.m. Final resting place Bay View Cemetery.
OLSEN, Carol - Funeral services were scheduled at 1:30 p.m. today for Carol Olsen, 70, of 2400 Donovan Ave., who died Saturday (June 20, 1987) in her home. Services will be held at the Westford Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Leonard Ericksen officiating. Mrs. Olsen, a lifelong resident of Whatcom County, was born on March 20, 1917 in Abbotsford, B.C. She is survived by her husband, Paul A. Olsen of the family home; her mother, Ida Mae Wiseman of Bellingham; three sons, Marvin and Walter Eggert, both of Bellingham, and James Eggert of Oak Harbor; four daughters, Gladys May Caron, Carol C. Holloway and Naomi Bonkoski, all of Bellingham, and Maida R. Williams of Auburn; two stepdaughters, Charlene Casonova of Seattle and Janice Snider of Oregon; one stepson, Paul L. Olsen; a brother, John King of Bellingham; 24 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 23 Jun 1987) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Cecil E., age 72, of 3217 Lindsay Rd., Everson passed away at home Thurs. Jan. 18, 1979. A lifetime resident of the Everson Nooksack area, he was a retired berry grower & farmer. Surviving are 2 sisters; Mrs. Hazel Cruea of Everson & Mrs. Mildred LaFave of Seattle. A brother, Charles of Everson. Several nieces & nephews. Private graveside services will be held in the Nooksack Cemetery, Tues. Jan. 23rd at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Neil Higbee officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Veroske Jerns Chapel.
OLSEN, Christian J., age 95, who for the past eight years had resided with his daughter, Mrs. Clarence Holmes at 494 S. State st., passed away in a local rest home, Thursday, Jan. 14, (1960). Mr. Olsen had been a resident of this community for the past 55 years and had formerly resided at 2533 King St.; was retired from the Bloedel-Donovan Lumber Co. at age 70, and was a member of the Central Lutheran Church. Surviving relatives, other than Mrs. Holmes, is one other daughter, Mrs. Hilda C. Miller of Bellingham; two sons, Leslie E. of Bellingham, and Oscar C., of Glendale, Calif.; eight grandchildren at 17 great-grandchildren, and one brother, Alfred Olsen of Lancaster, Calif. The remains will lie in state at the Jones Funeral Home. Services will be conducted from the Central Lutheran Church, Monday, Jan 18, at 1 p.m., Pastor Oscar A. Jacobson officiating. Final resting place, Greenacres Memorial Park.
OLSEN, Clay - Funeral services will be held for Clay "Gene" Olsen, 73, 2901 Walnut Street, at 2 p.m. Friday at Jones Funeral Home. Mr. Olsen died Wednesday (Oct. 12, 1988). He was born Feb. 20, 1913, in Lewis, Kans. He had lived in Bellingham since 1935, and worked for Georgia-Pacific Corp. for almost 40 years as a pulp machine tender. He was also a member of Central Lutheran Church. Mr. Olsen is survived by his wife, Inga Olsen of the family home; and a son, Stewart Olsen of Bellingham. The Rev. Leonard C. Ericksen of Central Lutheran Church will officiate the services. A private burial in Woodlawn Cemetery will follow.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 13 Oct 1988) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Cora Dessa "Des", 80, 2726 Alderwood Ave., died Friday (Dec. 10, 1982). She was born Sept. 8, 1902, in Princeton, Minn., and had been a lifelong Bellingham resident. She is survived by daughter Barbara Sutherland of Mt. Vernon and her husband Jack, and five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one sister and five brothers. She was the past president of F.O.E. ladies' auxiliary and past president of Rebekah Lodge No. 43, and a member of the Maple Leaf Chapter No. 58, O.E.S. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Jones Funeral Home, the Rev. Richard D. Talley officiating. Burial will follow at Greenacres Memorial Park.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 12 Dec 1982) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Della M., age 75, of 1901 South Nugent Rd., Lummi Island, passed away Thurs., June 3, (1976). Mrs. Olsen had been a resident of Whatcom County for about 40 years, attended the Lummi Island Congregational Church and was a member of the Lummi Island Grange. Also Lummi Island Civic Club, Neighbors of Woodcraft and the Ladies Auxiliary of the United Transportation Union. She is survived by one son, Walter R. of Ferndale; two daughters, Beverly LaStella of Renton and Thelma Peterson of Edmonds; one brother, Alvin Perkins in Oregon; three sisters, Juanita Decker of Bellingham, Bernice Snyder of Bellingham and Helen Olsen of California; 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, numerous other relatives. Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. Wilfred Gunderson, Wed., June 9 at 2 p.m. in Moles Funeral Chapel. Cremation will follow at Greenacres Memorial Park.
OLSEN, Delle E., age 56, of 208 Highland Dr., passed away in a local hospital Sunday, Dec. 22, (1957). Mrs. Olsen had resided in this community for the past 7 years; had been a teacher at the Roeder School; had been a 15-year resident of Nooksack before coming to Bellingham, and had attended St. James Presbyterian Church. Surviving relatives are her husband, Roy N., at home; one son, Warren N., of Los Angeles, Calif., and one sister, Mrs. Shirley Wallace of Snohomish. The remains rest a the Jones' Harlow-Hollingsworth Funeral Home where services will be conducted by the Rev. Harold K. Lawrence Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 11 a.m. Final resting place Greenacres Memorial Park.
OLSEN, Edna May, 85, died Saturday, December 9, (1972). Her home was at 2309 I St. She had lived in Bellingham for 47 years. She was a member of Bellingham Rebekah Lodge 43. She leaves surviving, a sister, Mrs. Carman McCoy, Madison, Nebraska; and nephews and nieces.
OLSEN, Einar, age 84 of 211 1/2 E. Holly Street, passed away in a local hospital Wednesday, Feb. 24, (1954). Mr. Olsen had resided in this community for the past 40 years and was a retired shipwright and a member of the Lutheran Church. Surviving relatives are one nephew, Arthur C. Olsen of Pittsburgh, Pa.; two nieces, Mrs. Mabel Petersen and Mrs. Adelade Forker, both of Chicago, Ill.; one cousin, Christian Cowarg in Norway, and a friend, Conrad Barr of Mount Vernon. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by the Rev. Clarence Haugen, Friday, Feb. 28, at 3 p.m. Final resting place Woodlawn Cemetery.
OLSEN, Emil S., P.C.F., age 20 at time of death in Germany on May 15, 1945, while serving with an M. P. Detachment assigned as personal guard to Gen. Smith of the 14th Armored Division of the 7th Army. P. F. C. Olsen was a graduate of Bellingham High School, Class of 1943; was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and had been active in the high school band and sports at the high school. Surviving relatives are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emil S. Olsen Sr., of 2305 South Street, Bellingham; one brother, Ronald E., also at home; four sisters, Mrs. Margit Larson, of Puyallup, Lilly Tichenor, of E. Orange, N. J., Mrs. Solveig Apt, of Pullman, and Miss Maxine Olsen, of Bellingham, and grandmother, Mrs. Christianna Kjareng, of Norway. The remains are at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth. Funeral service will be conducted from Our Saviour's Lutheran Church by the Rev. Clarence Haugen, Saturday, December 11, at 2 p.m., followed by military graveside services by the officers of the Veterans of Foreign Wars at Bay View.
OLSEN, Emil S. - Bellingham resident Emil S. Olsen died Friday, Feb. 5, 1993. He was 101. He was born March 23, 1891, to Kristiane Samuelsen and Ole Hansen in Skasvaay Vangshamn in Senja, Norway. He moved to the United States in 1911, joining brothers Albert and Maghos in Bellingham. He married Selma Anderson on Dec. 24, 1916. For 70 years, he worked as a carpenter and building contractor in Bellingham and was a charter member of the Building Contractor's Association. He was active in the Sons of Norway Wergeland Lodge and spearheaded the construction of the lodge on Forest Street. He sang in the Bellingham Norwegian Male Chorus and the choir at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. He taught classes in Norwegian and was a correspondent for the Western Viking newspaper. He enjoyed playing cribbage and horseshoes. Mr. Olsen was preceded in death by his wife Selma and three children Emil, Jr., Dagny and Eleanor. Survivors include daughters Margit Larson of Tacoma, Lily Tichenor of Waynesburo, Va., and Maxine Olsen and Solveig Apts, both of Bellingham; and son Roald of Washington, D.C.; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Bayview Cemetery. Memorial services will follow at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with the Rev. James Stender officiating. Arrangements by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.
OLSEN, Emma Marie, age 95, of 1208-23rd St., passed away Tues., June 12, 1979. A resident of this community for the past 72 years, she was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. She is survived by 1 son, Alf Olsen of Centralia; nephew, Waldemar Trangan of Norway; 5 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren & 1 great great grandchild. Funeral service Fri., June 15 at 3 p.m. in Jones Funeral Home with Pastor Don Clinton officiating. Interment Greenacres Memorial Park.
OLSEN, Esther Knutsen, age 88 of 2726 Alderwood passed away Sat. March 22, 1980. Mrs. Olsen was a 75 year resident of this community, a member of Central Lutheran Church and the Priscilla Circle of the Church, and the Senior Activity Center. She is survived by a son Earl C. Knutsen of California; 2 daughters, Mrs. Joyce and husband Carl Martin and Mrs. Bernice and husband Ken Loomer both of city; 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; 2 nieces and 2 nephews. Services Tues. March 25, at 1 p.m., Central Lutheran Church. Reverend Leonard C. Ericksen officiating. Interment Bayview Cemetery. Arrangements by the Jones Funeral Home.
OLSEN, Eva A. - A prayer service for Eva A. Olsen, 69, of 2905 Kinley Way, Bellingham, will be at 7:30 tonight in her home with the Rev. Jack Buckalew officiating. Mrs. Olsen died of natural causes on Tuesday in her home. She was born on Jan. 8, 1921, in Tulalip and had lived on the Lummi Reservation since 1953. Before moving to Lummi, she lived on the Swinomish Reservation. She enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and making arts and crafts. Her husband, Herman Olsen Sr, died previously. Survivors include daughters Sandra Washington, Adrianne Hunter, Roni Scates, Tina Lawrence, Maryann "Chickie" Morris and Wendy Cagey, all of Lummi, and Jill Charlie of Chehalis; sons Frank Olsen and Howard Olsen, both of Lummi ; stepsons Raymond Olsen and Harold Olsen, both of Lummi; 37 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; sister Helen Lewis of Lummi; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. A funeral for Mrs. Olsen will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joachim Catholic Church on the Lummi Reservation with the Rev. Buckalew officiating. The body will be buried in the Lummi Reservation cemetery following the funeral.
From The Bellingham Herald, 4 May 1990) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Gladys G., age 89, passed away Oct. 25, 1988 in Latah, WA, where she had resided the last 12 years. Former longtime resident of the Bellingham area; member of the Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church in Ferndale. Survived by 1 son, Robert E. Olsen, Snohomish, WA; 2 daughters, Anita Gail Hunt, Williams, MN; Bernadine Hirschel, Latah, WA; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Minnie Newell, Sedro Woolley, WA; Dorothy Miller, Kiona, WA; 1 brother, Niels Kuhns, Bellingham. Funeral service Saturday, Oct. 29, 1988, 1 p.m. at the Greenacres Funeral Home Chapel, Ferndale, WA. Interment Greenacres Memorial Park.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 28 Oct 1988) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Harold James - A vigil service for Harold James Olsen of Bellingham will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Moles Funeral Home Chapel with Vernon Lane officiating. A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joachim's Catholic Church with the Rev. Brian McGovern officiating. Burial will follow in Lummi Reservation Cemetery. Mr. Olsen of 3220 Balch Road died Monday, Feb. 13, 1995 in Bellingham. He was 62. Born Nov. 9, 1932 to Herman and Irene Plaster Olsen Sr. in Bellingham, he lived in Whatcom County his entire life. Mr. Olsen was a member of St. Joachim's Catholic Church and American Legion Post No. 33 of Lummi. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Survivors include brothers Raymond J. Olsen Sr. and Frank Olsen, both of Lummi; sisters Tina Lawrence, Mary Ann Morris and Wendy Cagey, all of Lummi; stepsisters Sandra Washington, Adrianne Hunter and Roni Scates, all of Lummi, and Jill Charlie of Chealis, B.C.; and numerous other relatives.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 15 Feb 1995) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Hazel Hartz, age 54, of 2808 Woburn Street, passed away in a local hospital, Thursday, August 19, (1948). Mrs. Olsen had been a resident of this community for the past 26 years and was a member of the Sons of Norway and I. L. W. U. Auxiliary. Surviving relatives are the husband, Martin, at home; one daughter, Mrs. Marie Nielsen, of Ephrata; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Osterland, of Terrance, B.C., and Mrs. Annie Wallace, of San Mateo, Calif.; also one brother, George Tibbetts, of New York. The remains are the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth.
OLSEN, Helga B., age 64, of 2209 E. Maryland Street, passed away in Centralia, Wash., Saturday, August 23, (1952). Mrs. Olsen had resided in Bellingham for the past 34 years and was a member of the Cannery Workers' Union No. 803. She leaves to survive, her husband, Oscar E. Olsen at the family home; two sons, Robert L. and Oswald E. Olsen, both of Bellingham; four daughters, Mrs. Edna Nelson and Mrs. Agnes Martin, both of Bellingham, Mrs. Olga Holland of Binghampton, New York, and Mrs. Ruby Parker, of Route 2, Lynden; 18 grandchildren; two brothers, Hjalmer and Peter Lind, both of Bellingham; five sisters, Mrs. Emmy Rundquist and Mrs. Auslu Haugness, both of Bellingham, Mrs. Petra Eckrem of Seattle, Mrs. Walborg Berglind and Mrs. Olga Hansen, both in Norway. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by the Rev. Carl A. Wright, Tuesday, August 26, at 1:00 p.m. Final resting place, Greenacres Memorial Park.
OLSEN, Herman - Funeral services for Herman Olsen, 65, Lummi Reservation, will be 10 a.m. Mon in the Latter Day Saints Church at Lummi. He died Fri. (July 19, 1974). Mr. Olsen had lived on the reservation for 53 years. Survivors include the widow, Eva; 5 sons, Raymond, Harold and Frank of Lummi, Herman Jr. of Bellingham and Howard of Seattle; 4 step-daughters, Sandra Washington, Roni Scates of Lummi and Adrienne Hunter of Ferndale and Jill Point of Sardis, B.C., 3 daughters, Tina Marie, Maryanne and Wendy, all at home; 3 brothers, Howard of Lummi, Dick of East Saanich, B.C., and Ernie of West Saanich, B.C.; 24 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Burial will be in the Lummi Cemetery under the direction of Moles Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 21 Jul 1974) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Herman "Butch" Jr., 44, of 3005 Smokehouse Road, died Thursday (May 21, 1981) in Bellingham following an illness. Born Aug. 5, 1936, he was a lifetime resident of the Lummi Reservation. He was a member of St. Joachim's Catholic Church. He is survived by a son, a stepson, four daughters, a stepdaughter, his mother, four brothers, five sisters and eight grandchildren. Vigil services will be at 7 p.m. tonight at Moles Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joachim's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Joseph Brown as celebrant. Burial will follow in Lummi Reservation Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 22 May 1981) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Hilma Mathilda, age 74, of Nooksack, passed away at her home Monday, June 5, (1950) following a lingering illness. Mrs. Olsen had been a resident of the Nooksack district for the past 54 years. Surviving relatives include her husband, Nicholas J. Olsen; three daughters, Josephine M. Olsen, of Bremerton, Mildred R. LaFave, of Seattle, and Hazel M. Cruea, of Everson; three sons Charlie J., of Santa Monica, Calif., and Archie R. and Cecil E., both at home; 2 sisters, Mrs. Anna M. Gillies, of Vallejo, Calif., and Mrs. Ida C. Mason, of Antarjo, Calif.; two brothers, Frank W. and Edward O. Swanson, both of Kirkland; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, June 7, at 2 p.m. within the Gillies Funeral Home in Sumas, with the Rev. L. C. Shultz, of Bellingham officiating. Interment in the Nooksack Cemetery.
OLSEN, Howard H., age 68 of 2550 Cagey Road, Bellingham passed away Fri., March 28, 1980. Mr. Olsen had been a resident of Lummi Reservation for 40 years, was a member of St. Joachim's Catholic Church and is survived by his wife, Margaret, 1 son, Freddy Charley of Vancouver Island, 1 daughter, Jeannette Sturgeon of Everson, 1 brother, Ernest of Vancouver Island, 9 grandchildren including William Sturgeon Jr. of Lummi, Patrick Sturgeon, Wilford Howard Sturgeon, Janelle sturgeon, & Kyle Sturgeon, all of Everson, 1 great granddaughter, numerous other relatives. Vigil services will be held in Moles Funeral Home, Sun., March 30, at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be offered by Rev. Father Phillip Bloom Mon., March 31 at 10 a.m. in St. Joachim's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Lummi Reservation Cemetery.
OLSEN, Inga M. of Bellingham, WA, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2006, after a short stay at St. Francis Extended Healthcare. She was born in Ferndale on August 18, 1912, to Nils and Brita Flockoi. Inga was preceded in death by her husband Clay (Gene) Olsen. She is survived by a son in Bellingham. At the family's request, no service will be held. Moles Family Funeral Home Bayview Chapel- Bellingham.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 19 Nov 2006) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Irene, age 41 years, of Marietta, passed away Thursday, Dec. 25, (1952) following a brief illness. She had been a resident of the county her entire lifetime and was a member of St. Joachim's Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband, Herman; three sons, Raymond and Herman, both at home, and Harold in Arizona; her mother, Mrs. Frank Plaster Sr.; two sisters and four brothers. Rosary will be said Sunday, Dec. 28, at the Monroe Funeral Chapel, in Ferndale, at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 10 a.m. in the St. Joachim's Church with Rev. Father Donald Conger, Celebrant. Interment, Lummi Cemetery.
OLSEN, Irene Brown - A funeral for Irene Brown Olsen of Bremerton will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Bremerton. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Bremerton. Mrs. Olsen died Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1997, at Harrison Memorial Hospital in Bremerton. She was 88. Born Dec. 22, 1908, in Bellingham, she worked as a registered nurse and retired in 1972. She married Arthur Olsen May 12, 1934, in Bremerton. He died in 1972. Survivors include daughter Irene Bergsagel of Bremerton, son William Olsen of Bremerton, sister Katherine Engels of Bellingham, brother Malcolm Brown of Bellingham, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
OLSEN, Jens Gabriel, age 81, of 1905 22nd Street, passed away in a local hospital Saturday, November 28, (1953). Mr. Olsen had resided in this community for the past 43 years, and was a retired fisherman. He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Surviving relatives include his wife, Mrs. Augusta Olsen at the family home; a son, Oswald Olsen of Bellingham; 4 daughters: Mrs. Christine Carlson, Mrs. Olga Johnson, and Mrs. Helen Strangeland, all of Bellingham, and Mrs. Bernice Becker of San Mateo, Calif; 6 grandchildren; a brother, Louis Olsen of Bellingham; a sister, Mrs. Olida Johansen in Norway, and many nephews and nieces. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by the Rev. Clarence Haugen, Tuesday, December 1, at 3:00 p.m. Final resting place Bayview.
OLSEN, John S., age 89 of 1449 Humboldt St., passed away Wed., May 24, 1978. Mr. Olsen was a 40 year resident of this community, a retired maintenance man for the Washington State Highway Dept. He is survived by his son, Clay Olsen, City and 1 grandchild. Graveside services at Woodlawn Cemetery will be conducted by Mr. Art Olson, Fri., May 26, 3 p.m. Arrangements by the Jones Funeral Home.
OLSEN, Leopold M., age 86, who resided at 2537 Lake Louise Rd. passed away Jan. 9, (1977). He had been a resident of Bellingham for the past 75 years. Was a retired employee of Puget Power and a member of the IBEW Local No. 77. He leaves to survive 1 daughter, Miss Leila June Olsen. Complete funeral services will be held Thurs., Jan. 13 at 1:30 in the Chapel of Bingham & Jerns Funeral Home. Private interment Bayview Cemetery.
OLSEN, Leslee J. d. May 23, 1997 Image
OLSEN, Leslee J. "Lee" 79, of Bellingham died Friday, May 23, 1997, at Bellingham Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was born July 31, 1918, in Bellingham to Orville and Bessie (Macomber) Halderman and was a lifetime Whatcom County resident. She married Lawrence "Red" Olsen in Lawrence, Wash. They were married 48 years. He preceded her in death in 1996. Mrs. Olsen worked at Russ Clift's Photographic Studio in Bellingham for many years as a retoucher. She enjoyed cooking and fishing. Survivors include her son, Stephen Paterson of Arlington; and two grandchildren. At her request, there will be no service. Arrangements are by Greenacres Funeral Home.OLSEN, Leslie E., age 83, who resided at 2323 B St. passed away in a local hospital Sun. Dec. 24, 1978. He belonged to the F&AM Masonic Fairhaven Lodge No. 73, had lived in B'ham for 75 yrs. & worked as a locomotive engineer for the Milwaukee Railroad for 47 yrs. He leaves to survive his wife, Cora "Des" Olsen. 2 daughter; Marjorie Eriksen who preceded him in death & Mrs. Jack (Barbara) Sutherland of Mt. Vernon. 2 sisters; Mrs. Hilda Miller & Dora Holmes both of B'ham. Also, 6 grandchildren. Graveside services were held Wed. Dec. 27th at 2 p.m. in Greenacres Memorial Park under the direction of Veroske Jerns Funeral Home.
OLSEN, Lillie, age 76 years, late of 2507 I Street, passed away at a local hospital, Thursday, August 25, (1949). Mrs. Olsen came to Bellingham eleven years ago and was a member of the Church of the Nazerene. She is survived by four sons, Kermit, B.C., Canada, Gordon, Eugene, Oregon, the Rev. Abner, Racine, Wisc., Kenneth, Ontario, Canada; ten grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Grace Burkett, B.C., Canada, and Miss Christena Grytten, Norway; two brothers, Tom Knudsen, Seattle, and Ingvald Grytten, Norway. The remains are at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth. Funeral services will be conducted in the First Church of the Nazerene, at F and Irving, Saturday, August 27, at 3 p.m. Final resting place, Bay View Cemetery.
OLSEN, Louis, age 76, of 203 1/2 East Holly st., passed away at his home Thursday, Aug. 3, (1961). Mr. Olsen had been a resident of this community for the past 49 years, had been a commercial fisherman for P. A. F., was a member of the Sons of Norway, and was a member of the Alaska Fishermen's Union. Surviving relatives include five nieces; Mrs. Olga Johnson and Mrs. Christine Carlson, both of Bellingham and Mrs. Helen Stangeland of Seattle; Mrs. Janny Fure of Norway; Mrs. Bernice Becker of San Mateo, Calif.; and a nephew, Oswald Olsen of Bellingham. The remains rest at Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by Pastor Norman Dahle Tuesday, August 8 at 10:30 a.m. Final resting place Bay View Cemetery.
OLSEN, Magnus H., age 91 of 701 12th St., passed away Thursday Dec. 20, (1979) at a local nursing home. He was a retired carpenter & commercial fisherman, charter member Sons of Norway, Shipwrights Local and Masonic Lodge 151. He is survived by 2 sons, Oscar & Arvin Olsen, City; 2 daughters, Ruth Huffine, city and Elaine Rairdon, Seattle; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Emil Olsen, City; 3 sisters, Oliva Richardson, Magna Yang and Hilda, all of Norway. Services will be held Wed. Dec. 26 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home, with Rev. John Milton of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church officiating. Burial Greenacres.
OLSEN, Margurite, J., age 37, of Everson, Rt. 1, passed away at the family home, Tuesday, April 19, (1955) following a short illness. She had resided in the Everson district for the past year and was a former resident of the Seattle and Lynden districts. She is survived by her husband, Archie R.; one daughter, Arla Belle Thompson; three sons, Lyle, Robert and William Thompson, all of the Everson district; her mother, Mrs. Marie Smith of Seattle, grandmother, Mrs. Alida DeVries of Bellingham. Funeral services will be conducted, Friday, April 22, at 2 p.m. from the Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. Interment, Nooksack Cemetery.
OLSEN, Marie E. - A memorial service for Marie E. Olsen of Bellingham will be at 2 p.m. today at Jones-Moles Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Olsen officiating. Her ashes will be placed in Greenacres Memorial Park. Ms. Olsen died Monday, Oct. 7, 1996. She was 40. Born Aug. 28, 1956 to Donald and Marval Bartles Hammond in Seattle, she lived in Bellingham for 21 years. Ms. Olsen worked at a local nursery and as a housekeeper. She enjoyed camping, horseback and motorcycle riding. Survivors include daughter Heather Olsen of Bellingham; her mother of Seattle; sisters Annie Swanson of Mountlake Terrace and Janice Smitt of Minnesota; and brothers Pat Hammond of Beckley and Mick Hammond of Port Townsend.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 12 Oct 1996) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Martin M., age 73 of 805 Yew St., passed away Thursday, December 3, (1964). Mr. Olsen had resided in Bellingham for the past 44 years and was a retired logger. He leaves to survive his wife, Mrs. Amy E. Olsen of the family home; 1 son, Lawrence of this city; a niece, Mrs. Olive Winroth of Custer. Graveside services will be conducted Monday, December 7 at 10:30 a.m. under the direction of the Westford Funeral Home. Interment Greenacres.
OLSEN, Mary Carol K. - A memorial service for Whatcom County science teacher Mary Carol K. Olsen will be held at 4 p.m. Monday at First Congregational Church with the Rev. Donel G. McClellan officiating. Mrs. Olsen, 714 Fieldston Road, died Tuesday (Oct. 3, 1991) after a long illness. She was 57. Cremation and private inurnment at Fort Howard Cemetery in Green Bay, Wis., will be at a later date. She was born Dec. 27, 1933, in Kewaskum, Wis., to Louis and Corrine Opgenorth and grew up in Wisconsin. Mrs. Olsen received a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a master's degree in botany from the University of New Mexico. She married Lee F. Olsen, who later became Bellingham school superintendent, in Kewaskum on Sept. 1, 1962. Mrs. Olsen taught high school science in Michigan, Wisconsin and New Mexico before she and her husband moved to Whatcom County in 1984. She later taught middle school science in the Mount Baker School District. Her hobbies included reading and needlework. Surviving are her husband, of the family home; two sons, Bret Olsen and Ross Olsen of Bellingham; three brothers, Kenneth Opgenorth of Benton Harbor, Mich., David Opgenorth of Packwood, Wash., and Gerald Opgenorth of Chardon, Ohio; a step-father, Clarence J. Olsen of Greenbay, Wis.; five nephews; and one niece. Arrangements are by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.
OLSEN, Myrtle Burnham - Former Whatcom County resident Myrtle Burnham Olsen, 89, died Feb. 8, 1992 at her home in Panorama City at Lacey. She was born Sept. 7, 1902, Vancouver, Wash. to Allison and Ella Burnham. She received bachelors degrees in education from Western Washington University and Washington State University. She taught in the Bellingham School District until her retirement. She married Roy Olsen in 1958 in Bellingham. He died many years before her. Survivors include her stepson Warren Olsen of California; three grandsons; one great-granddaughter; two nieces; and many other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday in Panorama City Chapel.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 12 Feb 1992) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Nicholas John, of Route 2, Everson, passed away at his home Wednesday, Nov. 18, (1953) at the age of 88 years. He had resided in the Everson district for many years and was a member of the Masonic Lodge F. & A.M. No. 192 of Nooksack. He leaves to survive three daughters, Josephine, at home, Mrs. Floyd LaFave, of Seattle, and Mrs. Dwight Cruea, of Everson; three sons, Cecil, at home, Archie of Acme, Wash., and Charley of El Paso, Texas. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. from the Gillies Funeral Home in Sumas with Rev. J. M. Wilson officiating, followed by the ritualistic services of the Masonic Lodge at the graveside. Interment Nooksack Cemetery.
OLSEN, Nels L., Captain, aged 56 years, of Ketchikan, Alaska, passed away at Los Angles, Calif., September 10, (1941) after a short illness. Captain Olsen had been a resident of Bellingham for eleven years before moving to Ketchikan in 1913 and was a member of the Lutheran Church. Services were held in the Cathedral Chapel of the Homer Mark Mortuary, Wednesday afternoon, September 17, at 1:30 o'clock, with Rev. Earl Soiland, pastor of the American Central Lutheran Church officiating.
OLSEN, Nicoline "Lina," age 59 years, of Ketchikan, Alaska, formerly of Bellingham, passed away June 7, (1946) in Phoenix, Arizona. Mrs. Olsen was a member of the First Norwegian Church at Ketchikan. She is survived by one son, Conrad Edward Olsen, of Ketchikan; one daughter, Mrs. Clara Minnee, of Los Angeles, California. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kristian Kasperson of Norway. Two brothers, Storker Mehus and Bernard Mehus, both of Norway. Funeral services were conducted from the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home, Saturday, June 15, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Thomas Allport, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church officiating. Interment, Bay View Cemetery.
OLSEN, Olaf M., age 69, of 2930 Plymouth Drive, passed away at his home, Monday, April 13, (1959). Mr. Olsen had been a resident of Bellingham for 49 years and was a retired fisherman. He was a member of the Sons of Wegland Lodge and Sons of Norway. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Clara Norbeck of Tacoma, Mrs. Ida Nelsen of Bellingham; six grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Gertrude Olsen; two brothers and two sisters, all of Norway; another brother, Ole Olsen of Bellingham. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 15, at 1:30 p. m. within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with Rev. N. A. Dahle, pastor of the Ebenezer Lutheran Free Church officiating. Interment Bay View.
OLSEN, Ole L., age 70, of 2323 H Street, passed away in a local hospital Wednesday, June 10, (1953). Mr. Olsen had resided in this community for the past 16 years and was the proprietor of the H Street Grocery. Deceased was a member of the First Christian Church of Lewis, Kan., and leaves to survive his widow, Josephine A., at home; four brothers, R. L. Olsen and Louie Olsen, both of Lewis,Kan., and John and A. L. Olsen, both of Bellingham; one sister, Mrs. Betty Lee, of Bellingham, and numerous nieces and nephews. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by the Rev. C. Eugene Sabin Monday, June 15, at 3 p.m. Final resting place Bay View.
OLSEN, Olufine A., 92, 1200 Birchwood Ave., died Friday (Oct. 3, 1980). Born in Norway, she moved to the United States in 1909 and to this area in 1912. She was a housewife. She is survived by two sons (Lionel of Oregon & Lowell of California), seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Her husband, Richard, preceded her in death in 1960. Private memorial services will be held today. Interment will be in Bayview Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Veroske, Jerns, and LeVeck Funeral Home.
OLSEN, Oscar Carl, age 83 of Lincoln Square, 409 York St., passed away Jan. 20, (1976). Mr. Olsen had been a Bellingham resident for the past 10 years, was a member of Central Lutheran Church, Albert J. Hamilton Post No. 7, American Legion and William Mathews Post No. 1585 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Surviving wife, Esther; 1 daughter, Mrs. George Connors of Houston, Texas; 1 son, Mr. Orrie Olsen of Van Nuys, Calif.; 2 step-daughters, Mrs. Carl Martin and Mrs. Kenneth Loomer both of Bellingham; 1 brother, Mr. Leslie E. Olsen of Bellingham; 2 sisters, Mrs. Hilda Miller and Mrs. Dora Holmes, both of Bellingham. Funeral services Friday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. in Central Lutheran Church with Rev. Leonard Ericksen officiating. Interment following in Greenacres Memorial Park. Arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.
OLSEN, Oscar Edwin, 77, 2809 1/2 Eldridge Ave., passed away at home Sunday, May 29, (1960). Mr. Olsen was a retired construction worker; had resided in this community for the past 50 years; had attended the Methodist Church. Survivors are two sons, Robert L. and Oswald E. Olsen, both of Bellingham; four daughters, Mrs. Agnes E. Martin and Mrs. Edna Nelson, both of this city, Mrs. Ruby Parker, of Laurel and Mrs. Olga Holland, in New York; 22 grandchildren. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by the Rev. Carl A. Wright Wednesday, June 1 at 1 p.m. Final resting place Greenacres Memorial Park.
OLSEN, Oscar J., age 61, of 1416 Forest Street, passed away in a local hospital Friday, January 13, (1950). Mr. Olsen, a retired lumberman, had resided in Bellingham for the past 39 years, and was the founder and president of the Northwestern Lumber and Shingle Company. He was a member of the Whatcom lodge No. 151, F. & A. M., and the Nile Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Surviving relatives are his widow, Mrs. Grace Olsen at home; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Leta Belle Bagley, Sedro Woolley; four sisters, Mrs. Josephine Peterson and Mrs. Fay Gates, of Aurora, Illinois, Miss Margaret Olsen, Chicago, and Miss Coral Olsen, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and one brother, Sivert Olsen, of Aurora, Ill. The remains were forwarded to Chelan, Wash., Saturday evening by the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth. Services will be conducted at the Smith Funeral Home in Chelan, Monday, January 16, at 2 p.m. Final resting place, Chelan cemetery.
OLSEN, Otto - Funeral services for Otto Olsen, 79, of Lummi Island, were held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Moles Funeral Home. Mr. Olsen died Feb. 1, (1972) from injuries received when he fell from the roof of his home. He was a 35-year resident of the county. He attended the Lummi Island Congregational Church, was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, Neighbors of Woodcraft, Whatcom Lodge 152, F & AM, and Lummi Island Grange. Survivors include the widow, Della, two daughters, Mrs. Norman Peterson of Lynnwood and Mrs. John T. Lastala, Renton; a son, Walter of Ferndale; two brothers, Arthur and Lester of Bellingham; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Cremation followed by services.
OLSEN, Paul A., age 91, passed away November 30, 2006 in Bellingham. Born in Seattle in 1915, Paul was raised with a Norwegian family, the Paulsen's, in Custer. He purchased a farm in his early years and was fond of the outdoors. After farming, he went on to commercial fish in Alaska and the Puget Sound. He then worked at Uniflite Boat Builders for a number of years until retirement. He is survived by his children, Paul L. (Kathie) Olsen and Janice (Richard) Smith, both of Bellingham, Charlene (Ervin) Casanova of California; stepchildren Marvin (JoAnn) Eggert, Carol Holloway, Jim Eggert, Naomi Bonkoski, all of Bellingham, Glad Robertson and MaidaRae (Jim) Olin of Oregon, Walter (Jan) Eggert of Idaho; 30 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Alexa Owens (Olsen); second wife Dee Olsen (Eggert); sister Eleanor Steinbach; and his grandson Paul L. Olsen, Jr. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 6 at 11 a.m.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 3 Dec 2006) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Richard, age 73, who resided at 3536 Lakeway Drive, passed away suddenly at the family residence on Monday, Feb. 8, (1960). Mr. Olsen had resided in Bellingham for the past 45 years. He was a member of the Silver Beach Community Church, also a member of the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union Local No. 2667. Before his retirement he was employed by the Larson Mill at Lake Whatcom. He leaves to survive his wife, Mrs. Olutine Olsen at the family home; two sons, Lionel of Klamath Falls, Ore., Lowell of California; two brothers, Siguard and Daniel and one step-brother, Julius, all residing in Norway; also seven grandchildren. Rev. George B. Ackley will conduct funeral services on Friday, Feb. 12, at 2 o'clock in the chapel of Bingham and Jerns Funeral Home. Interment Bay View Cemetery.
OLSEN - Robert Lind, age 61 of 3127 Bennett Drive, passed away Sunday Oct. 3, (1976). Mr. Olsen had been a lifetime Whatcom County and was a U.S. Navy WWII veteran. Surviving 1 son Mr. Robert C. Olsen of Snohomish, 4 daughters Mrs. Judy Ginnocchio, New York City, New York; Miss Karen Olsen, City; Mrs. Sharon Armstrong of Lynden; and Mrs. Sandra Polinder, City; 3 sisters, Mrs. Olga Holland, Binghampton, New York, Mrs. Ruby Park, Lynden, and Mrs. Agnes Martin, City, 12 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved friend, Dorothy Hickman, City. Graveside services at Greenacres Memorial Park, Wed., Oct. 6, 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Charles T. Milliman of Cornwall Park Church of God officiating. Arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 4 Oct 1976) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Ronald C., age 41, of Bellingham, passed away Friday, August 10, 2001, in Bellingham. He was born Nov. 12, 1959 in Bellingham, WA to Raymond and Wilma Olsen and had lived in Whatcom County his entire life. Mr. Olsen enjoyed feeding the birds with his many birdhouses and feeders. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking, yard sales, and loved collecting many different things. He liked taking walks on the beach and spending time outdoors. He loved his children, they were a very important part of his life. He had a great respect for his native culture and traditions. He was a lifelong fisherman and had recently worked as a heavy machine operator. Survivors include parents Raymond and Wilma Olsen; 2 daughters, Christian Olsen and Miriah Olsen, both of Bellingham; 3 sons, Richard Cooke of Portland, OR, Anthony Wilbur of Bellingham and Skyler Olsen also of Bellingham; 1 grandson Brandon Lee Cooke of Portland, OR; 2 sisters Darlene Olsen and Loretta Olsen, both of Bellingham; 3 brothers, Raymond Olsen, Jr., twin brother Russell Olsen and Darren Olsen all of Bellingham; special friend, Tracy Finkbonner of Bellingham and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives both of WA and Canada. An evening prayer service will be Tues., August 14, 6 p.m. at the Wex Liem, Lummi Reservation, with Vernon Lane officiating. Funeral services will be Wed, August 15, 10 am at the Wex Liem, Lummi Reservation, with Reverend Patrick J. Twohy officiating. Arrangements by Moles Funeral Home, Ferndale.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 14 Aug 2001) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Roy H. age 68 years, of 2511 Jaeger Street, passed away Sunday, March 11th, (1967) in a local rest home after an extended illness. He had resided in Bellingham for the past fifty-one years and was a veteran of World War I. He also belonged to the Longshoremen's Union. He leaves to survive his wife Estelle Olsen and three brothers, Lester Olsen of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, Otto Olsen and Arthur Olsen of Bellingham, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March 15th at 1:00 p.m. at Bingham & Jerns Funeral Home, Reverend Ericksen officiating. Cremation will follow.
OLSEN, Roy N. - Memorial services for Roy N. Olsen, 72, will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Olympia United Church. A former resident here of 208 Highland Drive Mr. Olsen had made his home in Lacey. He died Sunday (Oct. 10, 1971) after a lengthy illness. Mr. Olsen was a Navy veteran of World War I, a 50-year member of the Stanwood Masonic Lodge and a member of St. James Presbyterian Church here. Surviving are the wife, Myrtle; a son Warren in California; three sisters, Mrs. Roy B. Nelson of Bellingham, Mrs. Clarence Halverson of Kirkland and Mrs. Irene Benjamin of Stanwood; a brother, Norman of Seattle, and three grandsons. Cremation and interment at Greenacres Memorial Park will be held later.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 12 Oct 1971) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Ruth Washburn, age 68 of 3229 Bennett Dr., passed away at home, Thursday, March 18, (1976). She was a member of the First Reformed Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Pythians Sisters No. 6 of Tacoma, Holly Rebekah Lodge No. 153 of Bellingham, Senior Citizens and Leisure Club. Surviving husband, Cecil; 1 brother, Dewey E. Holliday of Nebraska; 1 sister, Mrs. Fred (Zella) Heinmiller of Tacoma; sister-in-law, Mrs. Emil Holliday of Laurel, several nieces and nephews. Funeral services Tuesday, March 23, 1 p.m. Jones Funeral Home with Rev. Hurvey Woodson officiating. Interment following in Greenacres Memorial Park.
OLSEN, Solveig, age 71, of 459 D St., Blaine, passed away April 19, 1978. Surviving: her husband Ivar. 2 brothers in Norway. 6 sisters; 4 in Norway & Janne Gothenberg of Blaine & Ruth Jacobsen of Seattle. Funeral services will be held in Veroskes McKinney Funeral Home, Sat., April 22 at 2 p.m. followed by cremation.
OLSEN, Sophia, age 82, of 2533 King Street, passed away at a local hospital Friday, March 28, (1952). Mrs. Olsen had been a resident of Bellingham for the past 45 years and was a member of the Central Lutheran Church, the Ladies' Aid and the Bethany Circle. She is survived by her husband, C. J. Olsen; two daughters, Mrs. L. M. Miller and Mrs. Clarence Holmes, both of Bellingham; two sons, Leslie E. Olsen, city and Oscar C., of Sun Valley, California; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, March 31, at 1:30 p.m. within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home with the Rev. Oscar A. Jacobson, pastor of the Central Lutheran Church officiating. Interment, Greenacres Memorial Park.
OLSEN, Trygve Norman, age 82, passed away October 27, 2002 at his Bellingham home. He is survived by his wife, Inger sons, Gunnar of Bellingham and Terje Olaf of Norway and daughter Amy Paxton of Bellingham. A private family Graveside Service will be held at Enterprise Cemetery. The arrangements are by Jerns Funeral Chapel.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 31 Oct 2002) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, Walter R. of Bellingham, went to be with the Lord, Monday, September 3, 2001. He was 79. Born to Otto and Della (Perkins) Olsen, January 16, 1922 in Everett, WA. He married Evelyn C. Orcutt on February 16, 1952, in Seattle. They have been residents of Whatcom County for the past 35 years. Mr. Olsen owned & operated Northwest Communications for 10 years in Skagit & Whatcom County. He worked over 36 years in the electronics field. He attended Evergreen Community Church in Ferndale, and was a member of the American Legion Post 7 of Bellingham. Mr. Olsen served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Some favorite pastimes were baseball, playing cards, ballroom dancing, singing and playing the guitar. Survivors include: his wife Evelyn of the family home 2 daughters: Cheryl & husband B.C. Jackson of Everett, Dianne & husband Terence Buscarino of Seattle 3 sons: Russell & wife Rhonda Olsen of Naknek, AK, Donn Olsen of San Jose, CA, David & wife Jennifer Olsen of Stratford, CT 2 granddaughters: Misty & husband Ian Larsen, Jenelle Olsen 1 grandson: Erik C. Olsen 2 sisters: Beverly Lastala of Puyallup and Thelma Francis of Lynnwood. A Memorial Service will be Thursday, September 6, 2:30 p.m. at Evergreen Community Church, 6899 Enterprise Rd., Ferndale. Reverend Steve Van Vleck will officiate. A private family burial will be at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 5 Sep 2001) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.OLSEN, William, age 62, who resided at 712 North Forest, passed away in a local hospital, Saturday Aug. 23, (1959) as a result of a heart attack. He leaves to survive two brothers, Edward R. Olsen of Dallas, Texas; Edwin R. Olsen of Donaldsville, La.; two sisters, Mrs. Kenneth Fosnes of Kirkland, Wash., Mrs. Lillian Nelson of Houston, Texas. the remains will be forwarded to the Zeller Chapel of the Roses in Portland, Ore., where graveside services will be held at Riverview Cemetery.