Olson, Kenneth W. “Kenny”

Our world lost a kind, wonderful man. Kenneth W. Olson is now in heaven with his dearly beloved, Ardella. Ardella preceded him in death on May 27, 2022. Kenny loved his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. And they all loved him.

Kenneth W. “Kenny” Olson, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, in the comfort of his home.  Kenny was born on August 25, 1936, in Dodgeville, Wis., at General Hospital, to Arnie and Viola Olson. Kenny graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1954. He grew up working on the family farm until moving to Madison in 1967. There he worked for four years at Gisholt Machine Company and later worked at Datex-Ohmeda, retiring after 31 years. 

Kenny married his high school sweetheart, Ardella Weber, on May 23,1959. They were blessed with three children, Tim (Anne) Olson of Oregon, Tammy (John) Cordrey of Bancroft and Douglas (Michelle) Olson of Oregon. Kenny, known as “Grandpa” and “Papa Kenny” is survived by eight grandchildren, Andrew (Lindsey) Drake, Jennifer (Brian) Summers, Michael (Kristin) Olson, Christopher (Liz) Cordrey, Danny (Sara) Cordrey, Aaron (Shannyn) Olson, Mollie Olson and Ashlee Olson; and eight great-grandchildren, Olivia, Collin and Elouise Olson, Brooklynn, Aubree and Beckett Drake, Ellis Cordrey, and Jackson Olson. He is further survived by his brother, Gerald (Janice) Olson of Mazomanie; brothers-in-law, Stanley Phillips of Madison, Joseph Weber of Appleton and Milan (Rita) Weber of McFarland; and sisters-in-law, June Weber of Dousman and Bonnie Willard of Mazomanie.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Milford; sister, Elaine; granddaughter, Angela Drake; and niece, Rhonda Schroeder.

Kenny enjoyed snowmobiling, four wheeling, putzing in the garage, (he could fix most anything!), spending time on Tim's farm, camping, playing cards, baking cookies (and delivering them to family), having a stash of Kit-Kat bars, but mostly spending time with family.

A memorial service was held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Burial followed at Prairie Mound Cemetery. A visitation was held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Kenny’s name to American Family Children’s Hospital, Madison.

We would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare for keeping Kenny comfortable during his last days with us. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515