Obituary of Duane Olson

Duane Roger Olson, 85, of State College, formerly of Spencerport, New York, died Saturday, April 19, 2014, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College, as a result of a bicycle accident. Born December 7, 1928, in Elmira, New York, he was the son of the late Carl Wilford and Hazel Boyce Olson. He is survived by three children, Sharon Olson of Yelm, Washington, Chris Olson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Laurie Olson-Eckenroth and her husband, Ronald, of State College; eight grandchildren, Chris and Joshua Tinelli, Randy Hulek, Kaly and Austin Eckenroth, Heather Olson Carroll, Casey Olson Lucas and Justin Olson; Twelve great-grandchildren; his former wife, Elaine Rapp Olson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Eric Olson. Duane served in the United States Naval Service. He enjoyed biking, singing, playing guitar and piano, listening to jazz, politics, and defending constitutional law. Duane published his own book, Nixon's War on Drugs: The Daddy Rabbit of Frauds in January of 2013. Dad/gramps was certainly an original…self-determined throughout his 85 years. He was a passionate, forthright, sometimes downright ornery hulk of a man, who often seemed larger than Life…whether because of his world-wide adventures, his doggedness to pursue his dreams, his versatility to pick up a guitar or play the piano and crank out a sing-along, or his humor, just a little shy of a good stand-up comedian. His grandchildren said they could be spellbound for hours listening to his storytelling. He often reminded us, "I came in this life, I suited up and got in the game to play! An unpolished gem, he was a rascal to the end! Even though we may have disagreed with him, he was charming, provocative, a radical genius in living color! He will be missed! WE KNOW he will have an even grander adventure the next time, because he lived this life so fully! Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to FAMM, 1100 H Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20005. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.