Sverre Marenius Olsen, Jr. passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, having battled glioblastoma brain cancer for nearly two years. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sara, his son, Kurt Olsen (John), his daughter, Kelsey Scheffert (Steven), and two granddaughters, Maren and Sonja. He is also survived by his brother, Vince Olsen (Dianne), his four sisters, Rita Mælan(Mattis), Sonja Andersen (Atle), Laila Meidell, Rosa Sorensonand his sister-in-law, Betsy Epply. He was fortunate to also have several nephews and nieces both in the United States and Norway. He enjoyed many wonderful times with his niece, Kerry Charles (Tom) and nephews Håkon Andersen (Anne Borghild), Kevin Olsen (Mary), Erik Olsen (Becky) and their families.
Sverre was born in St. Louis, MO the son of Ruth and Sverre M. Olsen Sr. After graduating from Normandy High School in 1972, he attended and graduated from Maryville College in 1976. He then graduated from St. Louis University Law School in 1980 with both a JD and MBA. He earned his Masters in Labor Law, LLM, from Georgetown University in 1988. Sverre’s legal career began serving in the USAF as a Judge Advocate General (JAG). At the time he was honorably discharged, he had served nearly ten years and achieved the rank of major and was the recipient of numerous medals, badges and citations for service. His legal career then moved on to the private sector working first for General Mills then on to State Farm Insurance as Counsel from whom he retired with over 28 years of exemplary service in 2020. After seven career moves, Sverre and Sara decided to retire to Holland, Michigan where their story first began at Camp Miniwanca in Shelby, MI.
Through the many moves he made, Sverre consistently pursued his interests in tennis, community and music. He was an avid tennis player for over 50 years. He enjoyed his many years in the Bloomington Sunrise Rotary and more recently served three years as president of his residence’s HOA. He had a great love for music and sang in many church choirs and more recently sang with the Holland Chorale. In retirement, he returned to playing the saxophone and enjoyed being a part of the American Legion Band and the Zeeland Community Band. He was a very kind man who lived his Christian faith daily. Sverre was a great husband, father, grandfather, mentor to many peers, instructor, and friend to many. He loved a good IPA!
Throughout Sverre’s cancer battle, he received excellent care with special appreciation to the physicians and staff at Holland Hospital, Corewell Health Butterworth, Blodgett, CorewellRehab, Holland’s Cancer and Hematology Center of Western Michigan, Lakeshore Area Radiation, Brain Tumor Network, Cleveland Clinic, Hospice of Holland, and Resthaven Care Center and specifically staff at Janssen Cottage. The family is also extremely grateful for two personal aides, Lisa Farkas and Tina Walker, who provided wisdom and great care for Sverrewhile he was still at home.
The family encourages memorial contributions be made to The Holland Chorale, The American Youth Foundation, Brain Tumor Network, or The First Reformed Church in Holland.
A visitation will take place on Friday, October 18 from 6-8pm at Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave, Holland. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 19 at 11:00am at First Reformed Church, 630 State Street, Holland.
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