May 25, 2023 at 11:54 a.m.
Edward William Olsen
Edward William Olsen
Edward was born in Rhinelander on Jan. 11, 1945, the son of Andrew E. and Theodora S. (Helgesen) Olsen.
He was raised in Rhinelander and was a 1964 graduate of Rhinelander High School. That same year Ed enlisted in the United States Navy which began a career that would last over 21 years. He reported on board the USS Maddox DD731 and made his first out of seven Vietnam tours. He attended Nuclear Power School for one year with hands-on training. He then reported on board the submarine, SSN Plunger for over a year and where it went is still a secret. He then reported on board the USS Canberra CA 70 Heavy Cruiser. While on the Canberra, his ship supplied support fire for Vietnam troops, alongside the Battleship New Jersey. Edward reported to the Bremerton Naval Shipyard for tug-boat duty where they assisted ship maneuvers in and out of Puget Sound. He then reported on board the aircraft carrier USS Ranger CVA 61 which supplied air power in Vietnam for over four years. While on the aircraft carrier, Ed oversaw the electrical power distribution throughout the ship. He reported for Naval recruiting in Owosso, Michigan. It was during this time that he would realize just how difficult it was going to be getting potential recruits off their fathers' tractors. He reported to the Great Lakes Naval Training Base, where he oversaw the living quarters for up to 2,000 students. Ed reported on board the USS Coontz DDG 40 where he oversaw ship maintenance, material, and management.
During his career in the Navy, Ed toured Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean Sea, and the Black Sea. He also reported to the Small Craft Base at the Naval Academy, where he oversaw repairing the boats the cadets damaged.
In 1985 Ed retired from the Navy and returned to Rhinelander where he has lived to this day. After returning to Rhinelander, Ed was employed for 15 years with Rhinelander Stone and Stucco.
Ed was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying his hunting trips to Canada for moose, Colorado for mule deer, and small game in Wisconsin. He was a great shot and loved the camaraderie of his hunting group. Ed also enjoyed shooting sporting clays and was a member of the Hodag Sports Club for over 30 years. Ed loved fishing with his buddies while enjoying his twelve pack.
Ed, as you set sail on your final voyage you will be missed by your friends and adoptive families, the Beatty family, Rob, Tabby, Brooklyn, and Maci, and the Eternicka family, Lloyd, Cheryl, Jaydin, Lily, Sebastyan, and Jeri.
The visitation for Ed will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Hildebrand Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service. Chaplain John Uhlarik will officiate. Immediately following the service, there will be a procession to the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw, where a committal service and military honors will be conducted by the Northwoods Honor Guard and by two representatives from the United States Navy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343.
Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.
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