Pete was born the son of Earl and Marietta (Laffer) Olson on December 20, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in Wilmington, Delaware. Pete joined the US. Army for a few years before graduating with a master’s degree from Defiance College. He married Joyce Pace on December 21, 1974, at First Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. The couple raised their family in Rochester Hills, Michigan where they have lived for over 40 years. Pete enjoyed a 40-year career as a chemical engineer for DuPont.
Pete was very active in the swimming community where he served as swim meet official for 35 years. He enjoyed playing golf anytime the weather would allow him to do so. Pete was a huge Clemson University Sports fan attending at least one football game every year for over 25 years. He was an exceptional cook, making a variety of dishes for family and friends to enjoy over the years.
Pete is survived by his loving wife Joyce Olson; children Peter Olson Jr. and Kristen (Jesse) Olson-Turner; granddaughter Jocelynn Turner; sisters Ellen (Tom) Watson and Christine Olson; nieces Cassie Olson, Carly Olson, Jenny (Paul) Richmond, Heather (Alan) Baker, Sally (Bill) Macon, and Karen Watson; and nephew Bruce (Carol) Watson. Pete was predeceased by his parents.
A visitation will be held on Friday March 14, 2025, from 2-8 pm at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan. A Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday March 15, 2025, at 4pm (3pm visitation) at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, located at 620 Romeo Road, in Rochester, Michigan.
Interment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Road to Recovery online at www.cancer.org.
