Lance Terrill Olson

Lance Terrill Olson was born August 15, 1945 in St Louis, Missouri to Herbert Lynn and June (Bobe) Olson.  He left us on August 10, 2023, shortly before his 78th birthday.

He was preceded in death by both parents and his only sibling, Jon C Olson of Burbank CA.  He is survived by his adoring wife of 47 years, Denise (LePlae) Olson, sons Lance Thomas Olson of Elberta, AL and John Michael (Margie) Olson of Kenai AK, grandchildren Karli, Kayla, Matthew, Elizabella and Alan Olson and great grandson August Elliot.

He had degrees in both Civil (Tri-State University) and Mechanical (Western Michigan University) Engineering.  He worked for Consumers Energy in a variety of locations, Eaton Corporation in Marshall, MI, Rennco in Homer, MI and Dart Container in Mason, MI.  He also worked in real estate for a time,  started a pick-your-own farm and was self-employed doing business as Lance Olson Custom Ornamental Iron. 

For over 40 years Lance enjoyed blacksmithing.  He was a lifetime member of the Michigan Artist Blacksmith Association, hosting events and gatherings for over 20 years.  He was an artist, an author, an experimenter and he remodeled several old houses.  He was a true advocate for lifelong learning, always looking for new things to learn, create, build or study.  He especially enjoyed spending time at Beaver Island, fishing and sea cycling in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter.  He was known as a mild-mannered man with a quick wit.  He thankfully maintained his sense of humor to the end.

The family expresses great appreciation for all of the providers at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson, especially the many wonderful people in oncology, urology and Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice.

In accordance with family wishes, Lance will be cremated and no service is planned.  We ask, instead, that some time when you are together with friends who knew him, raise a toast and share a happy memory that you have of him.   In lieu of flowers, Lance requested contributions to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home in Jackson MI.

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