Charles Olson

Charles "Wayne" Olson Wayne Olson lost his long courageous battle with cancer Monday evening Dec 9, 2013. He was surrounded all day by family and friends who loved him dearly. Wayne was born February 11th , 1924 in Wataga Illinois to Mabel E. (Hilligoss) and Harry A. Olson. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1942 and married his grade school sweetheart and love of his life Marian (Peterson) Olson on Christmas Eve December 24th, 1944. Before packing up and moving to Washington State in June of 1951 Wayne worked as a telephone lineman and repairman in Galesburg, Illinois. He continued working for phone companies in Washington until 1957 when spent a year working at Lake Wenatchee State Park. Wayne and Marian moved to Monitor WA in 1959 when he was hired by the Washington State Department of Labor ~ Industries Division of Safety. He was the 1st and only communications safety inspector for the entire state of Washington until 1980 when they hired another inspector to work the west side of the mountains. Wayne covered the east side until his retirement in 1982. Wayne and Marian bought property in Monitor where he built his own home and raised two daughters; Sonja K. Oldham and Sheryl D. Lowe. They lost an infant son, Herb Wayne Olson in 1960. Survivors include Wayne's wife, Marian E. Olson and daughters all of Entiat and his brother, Gene Olson of New London, Iowa. In 1997 Wayne and Marian moved to a home on Sonja and Gordon Oldham's property in Entiat, WA where they enjoyed living near their granddaughters; Kristin Graham, Malorie Oldham, Talia Oldham and great grandchildren; Isaiah "Jr", Jameson and Ava Graham. Wayne enjoyed golfing at Rock Island with his friends until his health forced him to give up golf. He loved working in his garden and feeding the quail he called his "chickens". We will miss his stories, his sense of humor and his big heart. At Wayne's request no services will be held. His family will have a private dinner on Christmas Eve December 24th to honor what would have been Wayne and Marian's 69th wedding anniversary. Memorial donations may be made to the Entiat Volunteer Fire Dept and EMT's who were so kind to come and help whenever they were needed. Arrangements are assisted by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA

Charles Olson

February 11, 1924 - December 9, 2013