Alfred H. Olson

Al Olson, age 71, died early on Wednesday morning, October 22, 2008. Al was born in Elgin, Illinois on October 26, 1936, son of the late Alfred Olson, Sr. and Rose Ann (Gilbert) Olson. He was a graduate of the Marengo, Illinois Community High School in 1954 and from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois in 1962 with a degree in Economics and International Finance. Al served his country as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 until 1957, and married his college sweetheart, Linda Fricke, on September 8, 1962. The couple recently celebrated forty-six years of marriage.

Al's career included positions with CNA in Chicago, Auto Owner's Insurance in Lansing, Michigan, and Integrity Mutual in Appleton. In 1977 he became an independent insurance agent and retired in 2002. Al was an excellent bridge player, enjoyed walleye fishing and vacations at Trout Lake were a family tradition.

He is survived by his wife: Linda Olson of Appleton; three children: David (Robin) Olson of Oak Creek and their sons Henry and Jonathan; Pamela Olson of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; and Jill (Jeff) Zanzig of Menasha and their son Benjamin. Al is also survived by three sisters: Shirley Peterson and Norma O'Brien, and Lee (Steve) Rietesel; a step-brother: Jerry Gilbert; a brother-in-law: Thomas (Joan) Fricke, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mabel Wood and Peggy Allen.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Jim Wiebel of Faith Lutheran Church officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

The family has requested that memorials be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. (www.pancan.com)

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
920-739-1231