Robert "Bob" Olson

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Bob Olson. Bob was called home to the Lord on March 24, 2012 at the age of 73 after a sudden illness.

Bob was born on March 19, 1939 to Palmer and Gladys Olson in Freeman Township, Crawford County, Wisconsin. He grew up on a farm and graduated from Gays Mill High School in 1957 after which he enlisted in the US Navy.

He served in the Navy from June 1957 to March 1961 with his last ship being the USS Oriskany while stationed in San Diego, achieving the rank of Machinist Mate, 2nd class. It was at this time a Navy buddy, Ken Gohring, brought him to Fillmore where he met his love, Yvonne Tucker. They married on February 12, 1961 in Fillmore, and to this union they were blessed with a daughter and a son.

Bob was employed as an Engineering Technician, Target Controller and Target Test Conductor for the Targets Dept. with the U. S. Navy at Pt. Mugu, retiring in 1996. Prior to his work at Pt. Mugu, he worked at Bush's Furniture. He also worked at Durham Transportation after his retirement from civil service.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Topa Topa Flywheelers & the Condors Flying club. Bob loved traveling, performing maintenance and repair at the church and attending Targets breakfast group. He loved walking, clogging and woodworking. He relished trips to Wisconsin to enjoy lutefisk and lefsa dinners and his Norwegian Heritage. He adored his children, grandchildren, tractors, working in the yard, discussions with neighbors and friends, building props for vacation bible school, decorating Rose Parade floats with the Petal Pushers. He loved music, antique furniture, caning, officiating and watching basketball, coaching VYBA and metal working.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Yvonne; daughter, Lori Leach (Troy); son, Jon Olson (Wendy); grandchildren, Hillary Asbury, Samantha Olson, and Joshua Olson; brothers, Phil Olson (Rita) and Vern Olson; sister, Judy Vangen (Thurman); brother-in-law, Jerry Tucker; nieces, Amy Thompson (Anson) and Judy Tucker; nephew, Erik Olson and fiance Barbara; grandniece, Johana Olson; aunt, Alice Macha (Eddie); uncle, Bud Quam (Rosie); and many dear cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Gladys Olson of Mt Sterling, Wisconsin and in-laws Buster and Loye Tucker of Oildale, California, and several aunts and uncles.

The Family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at CMH for their efforts and support during the time of his illness.

Visitation will take place Friday March 30, 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.

A funeral service will take place Saturday, March 31, 12:30 P.M., at Grace Lutheran Church, 6190 Telephone Road, Ventura, with Pastor Paul Koch officiating; Burial with United States Navy Military honors will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura. Following the services, a reception will take place at Grace Lutheran Church

Memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church designated for the Bob Olson Memorial Fund, 6190 Telephone Rd. Ventura. Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com