David W. Olson

David Walter Olson, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on July 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends after a courageous battle with dementia with Lewy bodies.

Dave was born on August 30, 1947, in Akron, Ohio, to Conrad James Olson and Leona Marie (Gutridge) Olson. As the oldest of six children, he grew up working on a produce farm in Doylestown, Ohio. The values of hard work, humility, and service that were cultivated there remained with him throughout his life. After graduating from Doylestown High School, he continued his education at Bowling Green State University before earning his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Dave was an accomplished orthopedic hand surgeon by profession; however, his true passion was farming. For more than 40 years, he cared for patients with exceptional skill and compassion through his work at Hand Surgery Limited and the Orthopedic Hospital of Wisconsin, while also holding medical privileges at other hospitals in the community. Whether caring for patients or tending the land, he approached everything with quiet determination, generosity, and integrity. He was a man who always saw the best in others, gave freely of his time and talents, and never sought recognition for his kindness. His quick wit was understated—you had to listen carefully to catch one of his perfectly timed one-liners—and his genuine smile was something you learned to appreciate by watching closely.

In 1981, Dave married his best friend and lifelong partner, Sandra Kay (Byerly) Olson. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and love, raising three children: Erica, Nicholas, and Timothy.

Dave believed that the greatest lessons were taught through example and by emphasizing the importance of education. On the family's Cedarburg farm, he planted thousands of trees, maintained the land, and instilled in his children the values of perseverance, generosity, and stewardship. Those lessons extended beyond his own family to two young men who became like sons to him, Anthony Faller and Matthew Kearns. Through countless projects and shared experiences, he became a mentor whose influence will live on for generations.

Dave will be fondly remembered for the stories that perfectly reflected his character: renting an earth mover for Thanksgiving weekend because there were ponds to be excavated; bringing chainsaws on an airplane for his honeymoon because there were trees that needed cutting when they arrived; giving his grandchildren "boda" rides around the farm; never passing up a good sale, whether he needed anything or not; insisting that ice cream deserved recognition as its own essential food group; and always having a notecard and pen tucked into his shirt pocket, ready to jot down an idea, a project, or something worth remembering.

Above all else, Dave's greatest joy was his family. His quiet presence, unwavering generosity, practical wisdom, and steadfast love created a legacy that will continue to shape all who knew him.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; his sisters, Sarita, Berta (Michael Baumann), and Marilyn; his brother, Jon; his brother-in-law, George Nickerson; his children, Erica (Grant) Stooksbury, Nick (Lilah Horwitz), and Tim (Lauren Anderson); his honorary sons, Tony (Alyssa) Faller and Matt (Nicole) Kearns; his cherished grandchildren Nathan, Everett, and Bennett Stooksbury; Olivine, Milo, and Lily Olson; August and Ada Faller; Wyatt and Carter Kearns; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and countless others whose lives were enriched by his kindness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Leona Olson; his sister, Karen Olson; and his parents-in-law, Olin and Lucille Byerly.

A Celebration of Life will be held this fall at the Olson family residence in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Additional details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements have been finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to [organization to be determined], or, in keeping with Dave's generous spirit, asks that you honor his memory by performing a simple act of kindness for someone in need.