Norman Alvin Ohlson

Norman was born in Modesto, CA, the oldest of 3 sons born to Alvin and Ruth McCready Ohlson. He made his transition at Stanford University Hospital after a valiant struggle with complications from Covid-19. Norman attended Bel Passi and Sylvan elementary schools, graduated from Downey High School in 1960, and attended Modesto Junior College. Norman grew up on his family’s dairy and later apricot orchard on Sylvan Road, and for many years he helped operate the family pick-your-own apricot business—the best apricots in town.

Norman was a long-time, very active member of Unity Church of Modesto, serving on the Board and providing construction and repair services. In his youth Norman was a member of Geneva Presbyterian Church.

Norman was the owner of Orion Enterprises, working in construction, and was licensed as a general and structural steel contractor. During most of his career Norman's work involved building new gas stations, canopy raises and repair, and mini-mart conversions. For over 30 years Norman was a consultant for projects at the Tillie Lewis Business Park. He also built beautiful concrete walls for residential and commercial construction projects

Norman was very active in the Modesto Ski Club for many years and helped with the ski lodge in Truckee. He was also an active member of the Elks and enjoyed the fellowship with the members there. He loved staying at the vacation home in Isleton on the Sacramento River and the friendships he developed there.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Galen and Jan. He is survived by his wife Eileen, son Erik Ohlson, daughter Robin Cunningham, Eileen's children Amy Velasco and Matt Hibbard, and grandchildren Christian and Kyle Cunningham and Ryan, Evan and Baylee Ohlson. Norman thoroughly enjoyed what he considered to be an idyllic life--growing up and living in Modesto with his many cousins, relatives, and friends who helped make his life such a rich and rewarding experience.

The family is thankful for the excellent care Norman received at Stanford for his rare autoimmune issues. In memoriam, consider a donation to Stanford Medicine, Guillain-Barre Foundation, Evans Syndrome Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Unity Church of Modesto, 2467 Veneman Ave., Modesto, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.