ORVILLE OLSEN

ORVILLE OLSEN

     Orville Christian Olsen, 78, of Cleveland Township, rural Fairchild, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at his home.

     Orville, son of Einer and Lorraine (Thur) Olsen, was born Aug. 1, 1945. He was a lifelong resident of Cleveland Township, where he was raised with his five siblings. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fairchild, attended school in Fairchild and graduated from Fairchild High School in 1963.  

     After his education Orville rented his Uncle Gerald Holman’s farm, which he operated from 1963 until 1988 in addition to owning and operating his parent’s farm after his father suffered a debilitating stroke in 1972. Since 1988, he hadn’t milked cows and was strictly a crop farmer who also did custom work for various farmers. Orville truly enjoyed farming with the help of his brother Don and nephews. Usually with an Australian cattle dog at his side, always named Jeff or Joey. 

     He was at his happiest when sitting on his John Deere tractor, so didn’t need many hobbies, but he did enjoy watching his Wisconsin sports teams on television.

     Orville tried other occupations, including American Motors in Kenosha, Bush Brothers and truck driving for Monson, but farming was his passion. He also served as the Cleveland Township chairman for several years.  

     Orville will be deeply missed by two sisters, Nancy Olsen of Altoona and Marie (Greg) Cross of Mesquite, NV; sisters–in-law Barbara Olsen of Green Bay, Mary Olsen of Wausau and Colleen Olsen of Fairchild; several nieces and nephews and their families; and his current faithful canine companion, Joey. 

     Orville was preceded in death by his father, Einer, April 11, 1981; mother Lorraine July 25, 2008; and brothers Norman in 2022, Larry in 2010 and Donald in 2019. 

     Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at noon at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, with Pastor Jonathan Wessel officiating. Burial will be in the Town of Cleveland Cemetery. Friends may call Friday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until time of services.

     Memorials can be given to the Fairchild Historical Society at 216 N. Front St. Fairchild, WI 54741.