Wayne Arnold Olsen

Wayne Arnold Olsen was born in Portland, Oregon to parents Arnold Harry and Ruth Glenora (Kronsledt) Olsen on October 4th, 1927. He was one of four siblings; he had three brothers, Peter, David, and Lance. Wayne was raised in the Linnton community, just north of Portland. As a young person, Wayne and his family made many memorable cross-country railroad trips to Minnesota to visit his mother's family and home. He attended grade school in Linnton and he graduated from Roosevelt High School. Following graduation from high school, Wayne enlisted for service in the Army. He was stationed at the Hanford facility in Richland, WA during his time of service. After his discharge from Army service, Wayne began his college education at The University of Portland. He earned a Masters Degree in Education at Oregon State University. He continued his professional education at Portland State University and the University of Oregon.

He married K. Mary Anderson in 1949. From that union came five children - Ruth, Ronald, Karen, Daniel, and Kathy. In 1973, Wayne and K. Mary separated.

Wayne's lifelong occupation was as an educator for the David Douglas School System. He proudly served 31 years for the same employer. He was first a school teacher, later a principal, and he retired as Assistant Superintendent for David Douglas. He was dedicated, loyal, and passionate in his career as an educator, but his proudest role was as devoted, loving father and supportive provider to his five children.

In June of 1986, Wayne married Margaret Wiederhold. Wayne was very warm and kind to Margaret's family. He enjoyed visiting with Margaret's five children, Mark, Melanie, Kurt, Paul, and Greg. He valued time spent learning about the new part of his family.

Wayne will be remembered as someone who was loyal to his friends and many times fulfilled the role of "peace maker" both in his professional and personal life. He was generous to those in need, and reached out to others in his own humble, quiet way.

In his spare time, Wayne enjoyed golf, dining, and traveling. One of his favorite destinations was the Oregon Coast. Wayne and Margaret had a home in Gleneden Beach and enjoyed visiting the coast and spending time together there.

Wayne had an amazing mind for history. He enjoyed anything pertaining to WWII history and his television was generally set to the History Channel. He also enjoyed discussing current events and politics. Wayne also enjoyed Portland history and he was very proud of his family's contribution and place in the history and development of the Linnton community.

He is predeceased by his parents; his loving wife Margaret (2009); daughter, Ruth Stedman; and a brother, David Olsen. Survivors include his children, sons Ronald and Daniel Olsen; and daughters, Karen and Larry Gratreak and Kathy and Todd Sander; brothers, Peter and Lance Olsen; grandchildren, Erik Olsen, Rick Sander, Michael Sander, Alex Sander, Casey Stedman, Andy Stedman, and Jill Stedman, Karia Eichelberger, Grant Gratreak, and Jeff Gratreak; step grandchildren, Wendy Isaac, Curt Stirewalt, Laura Stirewalt, Beth Elder, and David Stedman; four great-grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.

A funeral service followed by a reception will take place in Skyline Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home Chapel, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, Oregon, on Friday, September 14th, 2012, at 1pm. Visitation will take place in Skyline's visitation room at Noon before the chapel ceremony Friday. Wayne will be laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens garden of Atonement.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Linnton Community Center, 10614 NW St. Helens Rd. Portland, Oregon, 97231.

Please visit Wayne's Internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com.