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1948 - 2007
 John David (Dave) Olson, age 59, of Greenville, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, December 6, 2007. He suffered from frontal temporal dementia and ALS. He was cared for at home by his family. Dave is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patricia, and their six children, Samuel (Holly) of Redford, Jesse (Denise) of Big Rapids, Grace, Josiah, Stephen, and Mercy; grandsons, Silas and Myles; and other family members, John, Tabitha, Nikko, and Keely Verhoy, Brianne and Armond Lett. Dave will also be lovingly remembered by his mother, Ruth Olson of Eastpointe; sisters, Mary (Norman) Lorentz of Texas, and Sarah (Joel) Rosenbaum of St. Clair Shores; mother-in-law, Stella Davenport of Ohio; brother-in-law, Gary (Becky) Davenport of Ohio, step-mother-in-law, Rachel Davenport of Michigan, and nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his father, John Olson, and father-in-law, Roger Davenport.
Dave was born April 25, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, to John and Ruth Olson. He grew up in Clawson and East Detroit and graduated from East Detroit High in 1966. He attended Michigan Technological University and earned a B.S. in Computer Information from Grand Valley State University in 1975. He worked in Information Systems for Hager Lumber, Meijer, and Alticor. After his disability in 2003 he worked in numerous part-time jobs. He enjoyed volunteering with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Alzheimer’s Association, United Memorial Hospital, and Kent County Literacy.
Dave made his commitment to Jesus Christ in 1974. Through the years he faithfully served as a member and deacon in East Leonard, Oakfield, Ashley, and Liberty Baptist Churches.
Interment will be at St. Anthony’s Cemetery Temperance, Michigan. There will be no funeral home visitation. Dave will be honored in a private memorial service. The family thanks Side-by-Side Day Care for allowing Dave to “volunteer”. We could not have made it through this journey without them. Memorial contributions may be given to ALS, Faith Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.
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There are currently 14 condolences.
Karen Bugg
Friday December 28, 2007 at
6:23 PM
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Dear Pat and Family:
My prayers are with you. When I was a younger woman in Indy, my minister shared this thought that has always comforted me--"Never underestimate the darkness; but, never, NEVER underestimate the Light." My love to all of you. Your friend, Karen Bugg
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John Barnhart
Sunday December 23, 2007 at
9:09 PM
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To Patricia Olson (widow of Dave):
We've never met, but I was a classmate of Dave's at
East Detroit High, and we both went up to MTU. I
believe the last time I saw Dave was in about 1971. He
was visiting Houghton and came to our apartment for
dinner (he may have spent the night with us, too). As
I
recall, he had been driving a cab in Detroit, had
recently been robbed, or at least stiffed for the
fare, and needed some time off. We had a nice visit,
but then lost track of each other. Interestingly, just
last weekend my wife and I were looking at our old
yearbooks and I pointed Dave out and reminded her of
his visit.
I just received word of his passing from some
classmates, and was so glad in reading the obituary to
see that Dave had accepted Christ. It's a terrible
time for you and your family, but you know that you'll
see him again. As I mentioned to someone, he's up
there having a party and we're stuck down here.
I understand there will be a service next Saturday in
the Detroit area for friends, but we're in the Upper
Peninsula so we won't be able to make it. I'll be
praying for you as you go through the grieving
process.
In Christ,
John Barnhart
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sharon
Thursday December 20, 2007 at
9:29 PM
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Pat. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sharon, Wednesday FTD Support Group.
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Rob Turnquist
Monday December 17, 2007 at
5:54 PM
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Sam and Family: I am deeply sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
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ML.HURT
Tuesday December 11, 2007 at
5:06 PM
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Family of John David Olson
Very sorry to read about the passing of your dead loved on John. Iam writing to share a few words of comfort and encouragment from the source of truth the bible. The bible has such comforting thougths at a time like this. It seems life is such a precious gift and yet so short-lived for the time we exist. The bible does hold out a wonderful hope for all those in the grave. At John 11: 25 Jesus said "I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE HE THAT EXERCIES FAITH IN ME EVEN THOUGH HE DIES WILL COME TO LIFE." Yes, God, greatness is evident in the resurrection of his son Jesus. Moreover, that great act is a guarantee the the resurrection of others is possible .It should strengthen our faith that God can bring back to life with his perfect memory. (John 5-28,29) What a blessed reason to hope in God! We have all been given a wonderful gift of our memories. As you and yours start to heal the memories of John will bring you great joy. The bible referred to God as a father of comfort with tender mercies.
I hope these few words havelightened your grief strengthened your faith in our heavely father. (Psalllms 83-18)
Sincerly
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Nancy Turnquist
Monday December 10, 2007 at
9:12 AM
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Dear Sam and Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. May you be comforted by your sweet memories and deep faith.
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Mike Ryan
Sunday December 9, 2007 at
7:57 PM
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Pat, My heart goes out to you and your family. I worked with Dave at Meijer many years ago. He was a very good man. In the work environment it was evident that Dave faith was extremely important to him. May that same faith now comfort you.
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Doris Nies
Sunday December 9, 2007 at
8:07 AM
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Pat, I know how difficult this all was for you and your family. You have comfort in God. You have been an inspirationto me. Sincerely, Doris
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Geof Gaiser
Saturday December 8, 2007 at
12:34 PM
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Pat,
What memories I have from East Leonard and from taking the candid photos after your wedding. Bill Kenyon is the only one from there that I run into. I hope that Gary Rich stayed in touch with Dave. What a blessing that you have 6 children. We thank God that he lives in us and pours out daily provisions for us.
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Sue & Steve Hudson
Friday December 7, 2007 at
11:58 PM
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Pat & Kids, Please know that we are praying for you often. We are thankful that Dave's passing went quickly and that he is with our Lord right now! Prayerfully, Sue. Heb. 4:16
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Norm & Loni Vander Stel
Friday December 7, 2007 at
9:22 PM
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You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
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Barb and Mitch Tousley
Friday December 7, 2007 at
3:34 PM
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Dear Pat and family, So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out. Take care, Barb
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Dave Sharpe family
Friday December 7, 2007 at
10:34 AM
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To the Olson family: Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I Peter 5:7
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Ronnie Thompson
Friday December 7, 2007 at
8:56 AM
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Sam,
sorry to hear about your dad. I will pray for your mom knowing you will be the rock for your family during this time. Miss ya see ya when you get back.
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