Olav J. Gonsholt

May 12, 1927 - June 20, 2010

Olav passed away on June 20, 2010 at Pikes Peak Hospice. He was 83.

Olav was born in Siljan, Norway in 1927 and immigrated to the U.S. in 1950. He married Estelle Allard in 1957 who preceded him in death in 1997. Olav was also preceded by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his wife Elsie Christensen whom he married in 1999, his son Bruce and wife Karen, and grandson Dylan, now residing in Pennsylvania.

After serving in the US Air Force during the Korean War, Olav attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a degree in Foreign Trade. He was employed by Caterpillar Inc. for 30 years where he worked in various management assignments in Brussels Belgium, Geneva Switzerland, Tokyo Japan and Peoria, Illinois.

In 1984 Olav retired and moved to Colorado Springs where he started a real estate investment business. Concurrently he became very active in the local lodge of Sons of Norway, Fjellheim Lodge, and held a series of offices including that of President. He also served as Treasurer of The 2400 Wood Homeowners’ Association. Olav was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon.

In 1993, Olav was diagnosed with an advanced stage of prostate cancer. He took charge of his plan for recovery, studied the various options offered by both traditional and non-traditional medicine, planned and implemented a health program that allowed him to control this disease for another 17 years. Olav happily shared his experiences with others suffering from prostate cancer and encouraged them to personally take charge of their own health and recovery programs.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church – Missions, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, Colorado Springs, CO.