Arnold Leo “Arnie” Olson

Died peacefully at home on February 15, 2015. Arnie was born on March 19, 1917 in West Albany, MN, to John E. and Martha (nee Rathman) Olson. He graduated from Messmer High School in Milwaukee in 1936. After high school, he worked in the Catholic Archbishop's Office and at Krygier Drugstore where he studied Pharmacy. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the Medical Department of the US Army during WWII, stationed at a 1000 bed hospital in Karachi, India. Following the war on June 16, 1945, he married Charlotte Mary "Lottie" Blahnik of Spruce, WI. They settled in West Allis, WI. During his career, he worked as a Pharmacist at The Oriental Pharmacy on Farwell St and managed Triangle Drugs on 92nd and Beloit Road. He retired from work when he was 88 years old. In retirement, he collected more than 100,000 aluminum cans from parks and roadways and recycled them. Arnie was an avid hunter and fisherman during his lifetime. Arnie and Charlotte have been members of St. Matthias Catholic Church since 1955.

Arnie was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte. They were married 63 years. He is also preceded in death by his parents, John and Martha; brothers, Howard (Audrey) and Alfred (Lettie) and his sister Verna. He is survived by sons, Philip (Julie Roznowski) and Gregory (Susan Dowd), and grandsons Eric and Matthew. He is also survived by his sister in law Lucille Blahnik, niece Jeneane Roberts and other family and friends.

Visitation at ST. MATTHIAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 9306 West Beloit Road, on Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 9:00-10:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM. Entombment St. Adalbert's Cemetery.

Special thanks to Horizon Home Hospice for the care they gave Arnie in his final weeks.