Roger James Olson, 94. died peacefully in his sleep Feb. 11, 2018, following a fall at his home. He was born and raised on a farm in Chehalis, Wash., on Olson Road.
Roger was a farm boy at heart and he often spoke about growing up in Chehalis and working on the family farm. He woke every morning to milk the cows, while his brother, Andrew drove the local school bus. In the afternoon, he helped his mother in their chicken house, a great source of pride for their entire family. Hard work came naturally to his strong Swedish hands.
Following graduation from Chehalis High School and two years of college, Roger joined the United States Marines (VMFA–323) to bravely defend our Country during World War II. After the war, he relocated to California, then east to Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. After retirement, he moved back to Chehalis to be near his sister, Connie and her husband, Duane, where they fished and gardened together. He loved being back home.
Roger was deeply loved by his children, Mike Olson, Kathy Kelley, Rupert Olson, Rhonda Hill and Vickie Kutscher; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Vera (Swalander) Olson; siblings, Andrew Olson, Jean Vick and Connie Hardy; and his longtime sweet-heart, Nadine Jelle’.
The family will hold a memorial service in his honor to coincide with this 95th birthday in May. His ashes will be interred with his parents at the Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis.
