Alfred Edwin Olson of Alexandria, Virginia passed away on May 24, 2023, at the age of 87. Alfred took pride in his independence and dignity. On January 23, 1936, Alfred was the first-born son to the late Axel and Julia (Reigler) Olson of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He graduated from Rhinelander High School. He also graduated with a Master of Chemistry from Marquette University in 1958. While attending Marquette University he began courting Betty McNamara. They later married and had four children: Lynn, Steve, Lori, and Lisa.
Alfred enlisted in the Army and was commissioned as Commander of the USA Element in January of 1967. His Basic Training took place at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He rose to become a Commanding Officer. Additional appointments followed which included California, Texas, Italy, Illinois, Korea, and Washington DC. Alfred was Honorably Discharged as a Lieutenant Colonel. Following retirement, Alfred settled in Alexandria, Virginia.
While stationed at Fort Sheridan Army Base in Chicago, Illinois, Alfred was introduced to Carol Levenhagen. They were later married.
Alfred loved his family and touched everyone he met with a genuine engaging smile and sense of humor. In previous years, his passions included being innovative in the kitchen and his love for flowers and vegetable gardens, as well as tending to his houseplants. He was kind to animals and cherished his cats Tippy and Coco.
Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Lillian McNamara, Betty Newman, Carol Olson, sister Ruth (Richard) Grosse, Evelyn Olson, and his granddaughter Kara Olson.
He is survived by his children; Lynn (Tim) Olson, Steve (Nola) Olson, Lori (Dan) Beaton and Lisa (Dean) Bolt. Eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive.
A funeral service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Carol Olson will also be interred with full military honors during the same ceremony.
1 Memorial Drive Arlington, VA 22210
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