"I was fond of Mr. Olson since first I heard "o, -s, -st, -mus, -tis, -nt." He was a wise teacher and a good friend inasmuch, nor do I expect to know a man of his same splendid sort. To you, Rufus, whom I shall ever admire, I say: Ave Atque Vale"
In loving memory of
Eugene L. Olson
May 2, 1925 - July 20, 2012
McFarland- Eugene "Red" Olson passed on peacefully at his home on Friday, July 20, 2012. Gene was born on May 2, 1925 in Waupun, WI, the only child of Eugene and Sarah Olson. He graduated from Waupun High School in 1943 and enlisted in the service. He served for 2 years where he taught knitting as therapy for wounded soldiers. After the service he attended Milwaukee State College, now the University of Milwaukee, and received his teaching degree. Gene, also known as "O" by his friends, touched the lives of generations of students throughout his teaching career. He never retired, and served 50 of his 62 years of teaching at McFarland High School as an English, Dramatic Arts, and Latin teacher. Gene was truly one of the founding fathers of McFarland High School. Recruited by the superintendent in 1961 before the school was built, Gene chose the Spartan as the mascot to symbolize the principles of courage and ingenuity as forged by "our intellectual great-grandparents, the Greeks". This philosophy shaped his teaching by constantly encouraging and challenging students to work beyond their perceived limitations. His lessons of love, hard work and discipline resonate today in every student he taught. Gene was active in his 88th year of life creating an illustrated book of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, knitting, caring for his dogs Little John and Peggy, creating lesson plans for his Latin students and becoming active in both State and National politics. Despite all of his many accomplishments as a teacher, mentor, director, playwright and artist, he was unable to fulfill his expressed desire to write a letter of thanks to the school district and community for the opportunity to be the teacher that he is. Gene leaves behind 62 years of students, colleagues and many personal friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and many of his beloved dogs. A special thanks to those that cared for him, particularly Paul Pankratz and Brenda Hahn from the UW Yahara Clinic. Special recognition to his "adopted" son Bill Habich, who assisted him throughout the last 20 years. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to the Dane County Humane Society, the McFarland Education Foundation and the Eugene Olson Fine Arts Memorial Fund. A gathering of friends to celebrate Gene will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at the McFarland House Café, 5923 Exchange Street, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a sharing of memories beginning at 6:30 pm. A private interment at Roselawn Mausoleum will be held at a later date.
The following excerpts of a poem were found in Eugene's great-grandfathers' bible:
When I Am Dead
by Father John Bow
...I'd have them come, the "friendly few," and say for me a prayer or two,
By kindness led;
Not many tears I'd have them shed,
Nor do I want much sung or said,
When I am dead.
To have them each come in alone and call me in the old sweet tone,
Would suit me best;
And then, without a sob or moan, go softly out and leave alone,
The dead to rest...
Cress Funeral Service
5801 Highway 51
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 838-0655
Tributes
"I will never forget Mr Olson. He was the best teacher I ever had at any level K - BS Education UW-Oshkosh. An extraordinary man of many talents. It was by sheer chance that last week I picked up my old yearbook and read what Mr Olson had said. His comments from 1976 are much too personal and go straight my soul........so now the tears start. Truly a man can not live forever but his legacy can, for many years. I know not what religion we was or what beliefs he had but, I'm sure that he is directing a play or writing something as I type this. I look forward to seeing him again and speaking what I once thought could be my college major: Latin.
I'll never forget the 2 trips we took to Chicago as part of World Theater. I'll never forget that he had me teach (fill in) for him when he had to stay home for some ailment for a few weeks when I was a senior. One final comment. I wish I had had the time my senior year to have been able to play the lead part in that spring's production. I don't remember what it was, but it was a long slow walk to his room, with the script in my hand, to tell him I just was too busy. I wanted to prepare to play college baseball.......that never happened. It went by the sideline as so many dreams do.
RIP, My fiend and my teacher."
"He put a sentence up on the overhead. "Who can tell me what is wrong with this sentence?" he challenged all of us there in English Comp.
Rather foolishly, I raised my hand. "It isn't graceful," I said.
"Graceful?" he said, archly. "GRACEFUL, Miller? You really think that's an adequate way to explain sentence structure?" His voice, I remember, seemed filled with disdain, and only later did I realize it was how much he loved us and wanted us to share his joy in the English language.
I now make my living by writing and teaching, and not a day goes by that some lesson from him (or his colleagues Mr. Blackmore and Ms. Couch) doesn't ring in my ears. Aside from my father, no one else shaped who I am as a teacher as much as Mr. O.
Thank you, Mr. Olson. Requiescat In Pace."
"I learned more about writing from Mr. Olson in one quarter of college comp. than I did in all 12 years prior. I'll never forget the temporal writing assignment without using associated adjectives. We all failed, but marveled at the solution. He will be missed dearly and I'm better having known him however breif."
"Eugene Olson will always be a legend in McFarland, has been for ages. Mr. Olson also SCARED me, he was a gruff man and I'd heard too many stories from other students he scared. I didn't have the self confidence to take on this intelligent teacher and his teaching methods. In my senior year I applied for and was accepted by Mr. Olson to be part of a debate/discussion class with 5 or 6 students only. It was there that I learned what a teddy bear he was under that gruff exterior and what a loss that I hadn't taken more of his classes. My father and I used to see Mr. Olson at the Green Lantern Restaurant in McFarland and he was always friendly and jolly, happy to see us. It was one of his favorite places. Working at the Civic Center/Overture Center for 15 years I loved the big hugs we shared when he arrived for shows. Long gone was my fear of Mr. Olson. Now I only have respect for this McFarland Legend! And do we have a Mr. Gene Olson day? If not we need to make one. My condolences to his family and friends. Thank you Mr. Olson!"
"Mr. Olson, words can't express what a wonderful, amazing person you were. No one else in my 21 years of school challenged me like you did. What a beautiful soul, who spoke the truth without shame. You helped so many students grow into adults. I remember being scared to death of you my first day of Latin class freshman year until I realized all of your many layers. Thank you for caring and being who you were."
"Where can one start... Academy "D" going to state all 4 years of my H.S. career. The 2 years of Latin. College comp. English, Dramatic arts, World theatre.
The spring play with all those late night's getting ready. The trips to the theater in Chicago. Or perhaps just sitting in the English department having a cup of coffee with a guy whom it seems never wore less than 2 button down (plaid) shirts at the same time!
Or just visiting at his house having his dog Hanna jumping all over. Listening to his "life lessons".
You gave me a cross back in the 70's that I wore everyday for a very long time. I am wearing it today in your memory "O". "
"I was never a student in O's class, but yet he was a teacher in my life. Many fond memories."
"Mr. Olson taught me to be strong in my own mind and helped me realize the importantce of being an adult and a professional. I will always remember him as one of my greatest teachers and as one of the most influential people in my life."
"Mr. Olson. You were one of the best teachers I ever had. I learned so much from you, not only about the Latin language, but about life and how to be a better person. You are one of those rare people who truly cares about all those around you. Thank you for educating me!"
"Truly a remarkable man, devoted to bringing out the best in all his students. He could always get you to try harder and reach farther. An inspiration to thousands of students. Rest in peace, Mr. Olson. "
"Mr. Olson was a remarkable man for his ability and humanity. I am grateful to have known him."
"Why this talented man ever decided that McFarland was where he would spend most of his teaching years when he could have very well been doing some fantastic things in CA. I always thought he would make a great director of movies or in NY writing plays. He was an extremely talented man"
"Thankyou for having Me in Academy D I was in She She back in 1978 I alway injoyed being Her Her the gorilla you made me more out going it helped me in my life,"
"Thank You for all the life lessons that you taught me. The advice and encouragement I carry with me every day of my life. I will always carry the fond memories of Academy D with me all the days of my life. You were truly one of a kind. God Speed."
"Mr. O was one of the first people I met as I started Centre Pharmacy in January of 1978. As was his style, he was nosing around before I had fixtures or merchandise. He meant so much to many students and was a great ambassador for the school district. I was honored to know him and will never forget the lessons he taught me too. Rest in peace. Your legacy lives on in all the lives you touched!"
"He taught me how to be an adult. To love the arts. And to respect myself and my fellow beings. I loved that crazy Old Man."
"How we loved Latin Class with Mr. O, especially when the lunch ladies hand delivered home made bread and big bricks of butter to our class! And all the fun of Academy D. Thanks Mr. Olson. "
"I will always remember Mr. Olson as one of my greatest teachers and as one of the most influential people in my life. It was an honor being his student and he will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace, Mr. Olson.
Ave atque vale."
"It was such an honor knowing you and being one of your students. Rest in peace Mr. Olson and know that you'll live forever in our hearts and memories."