Michael Earle Olson

Mike was born on May 8, 1949, in Turlock, California, to Ernie and Mary Olson. He grew up in the central valley of California. He graduated high school, and then attended Western Bible College. He then pursued his passion for fixing things, and became a Master Automotive Technician.

Bonnie was born on May 6, 1944, in Cameron, North Carolina to Roger and Eva Sercy. She grew up in rural North Carolina. She graduated high school and then enlisted in the United States Army. She was honorably discharged shortly before the birth of her first child.

Mike and Bonnie met in the spring of 1978. They were each accompanying their best friends to meet one another. Mike and Bonnie’s chance meeting began the love of a lifetime. They were married on June 3, 1978 in Modesto, California.

Mike worked as an automotive technician, and Bonnie worked in the medical secretarial field. Both of them capitalized on any opportunity to further their education, while raising their daughters. About a year later, Mike and Bonnie moved to Sonora, California to start their own excavation business. Their lives were full of fun, family, laughter and adventures.

In the fall of 1979, Mike and Bonnie decided to embark on their next great adventure together. The family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Mike worked his way up from automotive technician to service writer, and then service manager. Due to his success, the owners offered him a position as sales manager, and he eventually bought in to become one-third owner of Dan Barton Oldsmobile Cadillac. Under Mike’s leadership, the dealership prospered and acquired two additional brands. During this time, Bonnie continued to excel in her career. She worked full-time, and free-lanced as a medical transcriptionist for many prominent doctors. Together, they enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting, boating, camping, country music, black powder shoots, fly-ins and family time throughout it all.

Mike and Bonnie had always dreamed of owning their own business. This dream became a reality in the spring of 1992 when they acquired the dealership now well known as Mike Olson Dodge. Where… Mike says… “Sell em’ for less and We do! Come see us”. Mike and Bonnie worked very hard to see their business succeed. In the summer of 2009, Mike Olson Dodge became Mike Olson Chrysler Jeep Dodge when Chrysler Corporation awarded the dealership two additional brands. During this time, Mike and Bonnie supported our valley’s children, their mothers, veterans, and our community. They also supported many groups and charities including the NRA, YWCA, AOPA, EAA, Riverside Christian School, various local sports teams, and too many more to list.

Mike’s obsession and love of flying was inherited from his dad, Ernie. Mike went on to inspire many friends and family to become pilots. During his last several months his main goal was to be able to get back in his plane and do what he truly loved, FLY.

Mike and Bonnie retired in 2013 after 21 years as the proprietors of Mike Olson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. They were happily married for 38 years.

Mike and Bonnie are survived by their daughters Sherri Olson, and Hope Olson; their grandchildren: Joshua Kingsley, Zachary Olson, and Zoe Olson, their great-granddaughter Dakota Lynn Kingsley; Mike’s father Ernie Olson, his mother, Mary Olson (predeceased), his siblings Roberta Klindworth, Susan Olson Crask, Ted Olson, and Barbara Olson Locklin. A very special mention to their dear friend Geno Hegle.

A memorial service will be held at Yakima Foursquare Church, 700 N. 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98908 on Sunday, September, 4, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonHouseYakima, Madison House, c/o Yakima Foursquare Church, 700 N. 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98908.