Bjarne Gram Olsen

Bjarne Gram Olsen died peacefully at home Monday November 4th, 2019 in Osprey, FL under hospice care. Bjarne was born February 12, 1941, in Copenhagen, Denmark to Jens Christian Olsen and Ingrid (Gram) Olsen.

Bjarne was the middle child of five siblings. He told stories of his antics and experiences growing up in Denmark. He dreamed of immigrating to America, and at age 19, followed that dream and arrived in Chicago in 1961. He had apprenticed in Copenhagen and found work in Chicago as a tool and die maker. He was talented with his hands. Speaking very little English, he attended a Danish social club where he met the love of his life, Tove Marie Christensen. They were married August 10, 1963 in Chicago and have recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Together they had two daughters Karen Marie and Lisa Marie.

Bjarne most enjoyed spending time with his family, camping and taking vacations across the United States and Europe and most recently cruising. He also enjoyed being active in his church serving as an usher and spending time with small group bible study friends. But his pride and joy were his four grandchildren.

He is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife, Tove Marie Olsen, his daughter Karen Marie Kortebein and her husband David and their children Kirsten Marie and Timothy David; and daughter Lisa Marie Haboush and her husband John and their children Allison Edith Koch and her husband David, and Amy Ruthann. He is survived by younger brother Jens Gram Olsen (Hanne) and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister in Denmark.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday November 9, 2019 at

Covenant Life Church 8490 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34238

Service will begin at 11:00am with visitation with the family beginning at 10:00am

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bjarne’s honor to Tidewell Hospice or Covenant Life Church.