Dick Olsen

Birger “Dick” Olsen, 79, of South Haven passed away from Lewy Body Dementia, Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at his home under the care of Caring Circle Hospice at Home with his wife by his side.

He was born Sept. 16, 1939, to Edwin Birger and Janet (Ford) Olsen in New York City. Dick graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s degree. He worked for Fisher Body for 37 years in Pittsburgh and Kalamazoo until his retirement in 1999. Dick married Sandra McCrath on June 23, 1962, in Utica, N.Y. They shared 56 years in marriage. Dick enjoyed serving on the board for the South Haven Center for the Arts. He also volunteered for the VITA program. Dick enjoyed volunteering his time helping others.

Dick is survived by his wife, Sandy Olsen of South Haven; children: Eric Olsen of Denver, Heather (Rona) Olsen of San Francisco, and Kirsten (Haig) Marino of Brooklyn; twin brother, Edwin (Catherine) Olsen of Montclair, N.J.; brother, Geoffrey Olsen of Spring Valley, N.Y., and grandson, Thorsten Marino.

Private graveside services will be at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven with the Rev. Donald H. Wheat officiating. The Olsen family will receive friends and family at the Olsen home, 77252 Pinewood Lane, South Haven, from 2-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3. Contributions may be made in Dick’s memory to the South Haven AAUW Scholarship Fund.