Karl Johan Olsen II

After a heroic fight against ongoing health challenges and personal tragedies, Karl Johan Olsen II, age 72, of Sarasota, Florida passed away at his home on Sunday, February 13, 2022. Karl was born November 30, 1949, in Perth Amboy, NJ. He left Perth Amboy for the Vietnam War in July of 1969. He was 19 years old. He served in the Army with the Military Police and as a Dog Handler.

He moved to Sarasota in the late 1970’s where he participated in organizing a group of Vietnam Veterans known as Vietnam Vets of Sarasota Manatee (VVSM). It was there he found his closest and most trusted friends.

He had a keen intelligence and a mischievously fun sense of humor. He also had the natural gift of music. At a young age, he taught himself to play drums, guitar, piano and finally trombone. He began playing the trombone after attending a performance of the First Baptist Church’s Singing Christmas Tree. From that point forward, he played in every Singing Christmas Tree performance, played in the First Baptist Church’s Praise Band, and played in 5 dance bands simultaneously. He loved Swing music, Jazz music, Muscle Cars, Harley Davidson motorcycles and Christmas.

He is survived by his loving fiancée, Nancie Kalin. He had three children and has 5 grandchildren. He is preceded by his parents Arnold & Alice Olsen.

Service with Military Honors will be held on March 15th, 2022 at 10:30AM at Sarasota National Cemetery, State Road 72, Sarasota FL.

{In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still, In our hearts you hold a place, That no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you, The day God took you home. Rhonda Braswell}

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Karl’s loved ones.