Harold Olsen

Harold Olsen
Altoona, Iowa

Harold Martin Olsen, 85, passed away on December 24, 2023 at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

He was born January 3, 1938 to his parents, Carl and Emma Olsen. His family included brothers, Berg and Don; and sisters, Elsie and Mary. Harold grew up in “Snusville” a small Scandinavian neighborhood in East Des Moines. He graduated from East High School, Grandview University, and Drake University. Harold joined the United States Army National Guard in 1955 and served until 1963. He was an English teacher and then guidance counselors for Des Moines Public Schools for many years. Harold retired from his beloved East High School in 1999. Harold said he was “born a Cardinal fan” and he never wavered in his support of the team. He really enjoyed the Sons of the Pioneers, Frank Sinatra, and vacationing in the Colorado Rockies.

Harold is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carole Olsen; son, Tom (Vela James) Olsen; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Services will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 N.W. 60th Avenue Des Moines, Iowa. Family will greet friends from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. with memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will occur directly following at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, One Northeast 60th Avenue Des Moines, Iowa

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Harold Olsen.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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