JOHN OLSON
John passed away peacefully the morning of May 22, 2023, at McLaren-Flint Hospital, surrounded by loved ones. “Papa John” as he had been known to his seven grandchildren was a true renaissance man. He was an educator by profession for most of his adult life, but was also a talented woodworker, craftsman, accountant, tinkerer, and that guy you knew who would help you with any project. More than anything, John was a devoted family man who loved those in his nuclear family, his extended family, and the countless friends whom he considered his chosen family.
John was born on March 15, 1943, in the Alpena Hospital, the youngest of the four children of Jack and Isabel Olson of Spruce, Michigan. He grew up on a small family farm surrounded by his adored siblings, Frank, Helen, and Kathryn, and attended school in a small one-room schoolhouse in Alcona County. He graduated from the new consolidated Alcona High School, and later received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and master’s degree from Michigan State University. He married his devoted and loving wife, Carol, on July 31, 1965. They moved first to Flint, Michigan before settling in nearby Flushing where they would spend the next 47 years together. While this was their home, they maintained strong ties to Alcona County, eventually purchasing a beautiful cottage at Lost Lake Woods Club, and spending cherished time there each summer.
John began his career as an educator teaching at Atherton and Southwestern High Schools in the Flint area before moving into administration as a Co-op Coordinator and Assistant Principal in the Grand Blanc and Carman-Ainsworth school districts. He later took a position at the Genesee Intermediate School District as the Director of Vocational and Career and Technical Education, a position for which he received much acclaim and respect statewide where he was known for his passion and innovative spirit.
Beyond his professional career, John was also renowned for his remarkable talents as a craftsman. His “workshop” that he built was a haven for him, a place where he employed his boundless creativity and honed skills to build many a treasured project, nearly always a gift for someone else. He filled his life with many hobbies and loved golfing, camping, traveling, a good gin and tonic, and playing cards and games with a competitive edge.
In retirement, John continued his passion for service and education, serving on numerous boards and civic groups, including long time service on the Flushing Planning Commission and on the Flushing School Board, where he proudly served as president for many years.
Above all else in his life, John was a devoted family man. He and Carol had three children: John (Cindi) of Kalamazoo, Eric (Laura) of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Matthew (Desiree) of Benzonia. He also had seven grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews for whom he held endless affection and were sources of great pride for him. His devotion to his family knew no bounds, and he could always be counted on to be at every event, every family party, and any gathering for which there was love (and great food!) to be shared.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 26 at Rossell Funeral Home, 307 Main St. Flushing, Michigan from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and also on Saturday May 27 at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 310 N. Cherry St. Flushing Michigan from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. with Father Tom Firestone presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a cancer research foundation or charity of your choice.