Joseph Edward Olofson

Joseph (Joe) E. Olofson, 84, of Brownsburg answered the last alarm on August 18, 2024. He was born in Bloomington, IN to the late Andrew G. Olofson and Margaret E. (Betty) Schrader Olofson. He spent his early years in Kokomo, IN before moving to Indianapolis in 1951. He graduated from Shortridge High School in 1958 and joined the U.S. Naval Reserve serving two years active duty aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Forrestal.

While living in Kokomo, Joe loved riding his bicycle to follow the fire trucks in his neighborhood and continued this after moving to Indianapolis. Joe fulfilled his lifelong ambition of becoming a firefighter when he was hired on the Indianapolis Fire Department in 1961 and served 41 years. He retired as Division Chief of Operations in 2002 to become the Chief of Pike Township Fire Department with full retirement in 2006 after coming full circle in his firefighting career.

Joe met Ruth in 1982 and they were married in 1989. Joe was an avid Colts fan holding season tickets for 24 years. He was also a member, past officer and volunteer of the Speedway American Legion Post 500 receiving a lifetime membership for his service with them.

Joe is survived by his wife, Ruth, together for 42 years, three children by a previous marriage, Scott (Eileen) Olofson, Betty Jean (David) Marshall, Michelle Lamison, and stepson Tyler Ermentrout and a combined family of five grandchildren (Michael Olofson, Kimberly McKinney, Paladin Lamison, Caitlin Wells, and Sam Ermentrout) and 11 great grandchildren (Gabriel McKinney, Porter McKinney, Graden McKinney, Lucas McKinney, Michael McKinney, Drogon Olofson, Marilou Olofson, Gavin Wells, Kolten Ermentrout, Konner Polk, and Trenton Ermentrout).

He was preceded in death by his brother, Fredrick A. Olofson, and his sister, Kristen Sehlke.

Visitation will be August 29th from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and August 30th from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Crown Hill, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis IN 46208. The funeral services will be August 30th at Crown Hill at 12:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made to the Indianapolis Professional Firefighters Union Local 416 Museum, 748 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis IN 46204.