Donald Roger Olsen

Donald Roger Olsen, November 15, 1935 to November 4, 2025, was the son of Edward and Ann Olsen, brother of Douglas Olsen and of his late twin Richard Olsen. He was born and raised in Milwaukee WI, graduating from Washington High School in 1954 and from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1958, where he was scholarship athlete and All Big-10 award winner on the wrestling team.

After graduating with a degree in Physical Education and minor in Health from University of Wisconsin, Madison he joined the Army and would become a helicopter pilot and Captain in the Vietnam War from 1963-1965. After two deployments, he later rose to the ranks of Major and was stationed in Germany where he met his wife, the late Susan Marie Olsen. When he retired from the Army Reserves in 1986, he was a proud Lieutenant Colonel.

He had a loving and wonderful marriage to Susan for 55 years before her passing in 2023. Don spent his post-Army career as a sales executive in technology instruments for 34 years in Silicon Valley. During this time he loved playing tennis, supporting the swim team and enjoying the wonderful community at Almaden Golf & Country Club. His cheers were boisterous for his three children for whom he was their greatest supporter during their many soccer, gymnastics, swimming, baseball, rugby, water polo, and football seasons. He loved all the get-togethers with his friends and extended family with many laughs and strong handshakes. He was also active in the St. Anthony’s Church community. He enjoyed travelling the world with his family, hiking, and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers and Giants while keeping an eye on the Green Bay Packers from time to time. What he enjoyed most was spending time with his children and grandchildren, celebrating holidays, going to their school events, sporting events, and performances.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Scott (Barbara) Olsen, Kara (Ricardo) Labiaga, and Kristin (Jeff) Finkelstein. Devoted Grandad to Morgan, William, Mark, Michelle, Brooke, Andy, Alex, Christopher, Mollie, Charlotte, and Nathan.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Anthony Church, located at 20101 McKean Rd, San Jose, CA, 95120, on November 29, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The Committal Service will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park, situated at 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA, 95125, on the same day from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.