Douglas Olsen
July 9th, 1944 - April 3rd, 2025
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Douglas's Obituary
Douglas Olsen, 80, of South Haven, died Thursday, April 3, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer. A life-long educator and lover of sports, Doug embraced the joy found in reading, music, photography, fishing, and cooking throughout his lifetime.
Doug grew up in Greenville, Michigan and went on to earn an Associate of Arts Degree from Grand Rapids Community College, and from Western Michigan University, a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Master of English degrees.
His love of education led him to Decatur Public Schools, where for 13 years he taught fourth and fifth grades, coached football, wrestling, junior high basketball and served as a referee for a variety of youth sports. Like many in education, Doug took up extra work in the summers, painting houses with good friend Lloyd Dow and spent years as caretaker of Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods Camps.
Doug soon moved into the role of assistant principal, then principal of Davis Elementary, where he led education efforts for 25 years until retiring in 2003. He served as the school district’s Director of Special Education, Title 1 director, Early Childhood coordinator, and interim superintendent. He often recalled his many friendships with staff at school and valued their support and dedication over the years.
A member of the Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association, Doug found pride in founding Decatur Public School’s Summer Reading Program which he led for 12 years. He shared his passion for reading with students during the school year and promoted reading challenges for students. Winning classes took part in celebrations which often found Doug in a dunk tank, sitting at his desk placed on the school’s roof for the day, students tossing pies in his face, and cutting his hair, ties, and inches from his pants legs for their accomplishments. Former students continue to recall a mantra Doug led them in daily: “Choices, choices, the world is full of choices. So, make the right ones!”
Dogs meant so much to Doug, and he cherished fond memories of past pooches “Noir” and “Elliott,” while current Jack Russell Terrier “Lucky” lives on.
He is survived by his wife, Lloy “Anne” Olsen; his sons Chris Olsen (Amanda), and Cory Olsen (Cherie); his brother, Roger Olsen (Mary Lou); his grandchildren, Sawyer and Trent Olsen, Emmelia, Jacob, and Gabriella Olsen; his great-grandson, Mateo Olsen; and the mother of his children and friend, Susan Bennett.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Howard, and Edna Olsen; his cousin, Shirley (Kris) Hansen; and his friend, Richard Bennett.
A memorial gathering will be held from 12pm until the time of the celebration of life service at 2pm, Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. Private family inurnment to follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Decatur Human Services, 102 S. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045.
Doug grew up in Greenville, Michigan and went on to earn an Associate of Arts Degree from Grand Rapids Community College, and from Western Michigan University, a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Master of English degrees.
His love of education led him to Decatur Public Schools, where for 13 years he taught fourth and fifth grades, coached football, wrestling, junior high basketball and served as a referee for a variety of youth sports. Like many in education, Doug took up extra work in the summers, painting houses with good friend Lloyd Dow and spent years as caretaker of Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods Camps.
Doug soon moved into the role of assistant principal, then principal of Davis Elementary, where he led education efforts for 25 years until retiring in 2003. He served as the school district’s Director of Special Education, Title 1 director, Early Childhood coordinator, and interim superintendent. He often recalled his many friendships with staff at school and valued their support and dedication over the years.
A member of the Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association, Doug found pride in founding Decatur Public School’s Summer Reading Program which he led for 12 years. He shared his passion for reading with students during the school year and promoted reading challenges for students. Winning classes took part in celebrations which often found Doug in a dunk tank, sitting at his desk placed on the school’s roof for the day, students tossing pies in his face, and cutting his hair, ties, and inches from his pants legs for their accomplishments. Former students continue to recall a mantra Doug led them in daily: “Choices, choices, the world is full of choices. So, make the right ones!”
Dogs meant so much to Doug, and he cherished fond memories of past pooches “Noir” and “Elliott,” while current Jack Russell Terrier “Lucky” lives on.
He is survived by his wife, Lloy “Anne” Olsen; his sons Chris Olsen (Amanda), and Cory Olsen (Cherie); his brother, Roger Olsen (Mary Lou); his grandchildren, Sawyer and Trent Olsen, Emmelia, Jacob, and Gabriella Olsen; his great-grandson, Mateo Olsen; and the mother of his children and friend, Susan Bennett.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Howard, and Edna Olsen; his cousin, Shirley (Kris) Hansen; and his friend, Richard Bennett.
A memorial gathering will be held from 12pm until the time of the celebration of life service at 2pm, Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. Private family inurnment to follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Decatur Human Services, 102 S. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045.
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