Robert William Olsen, Sr

Robert (Bob) W. Olsen, Sr., of Conyers, Georgia, passed away after a long and blessed life of 96 years on March 6, 2025. Bob was born and spent his early years in Exira, Iowa, a small town in southwestern Iowa. Raised in a Danish family, Bob was the youngest of four children. He always had an easy-going demeanor and was a good friend to all. He was gifted as a natural athlete and learned the value of hard work at a young age, delivering newspapers, working in a small grocery store and running the film projector at the town movie theater. Bob enlisted in the Army in 1951 and was stationed at Ft. Gillem in south Atlanta where he met his "Dearest Darling" and love of his life, Janie Castellana Olsen, at the local USO Club. As the story goes, Bob saw Janie "jitter-bugging" with another soldier. Bob broke in and stole the soldier's dance partner, Janie. When Bob asked for Janie's number, her best friend Diva said, "Give it to him because he has a car!" Janie and Bob, and Diva and her husband, Angelo, became best friends for life. Bob was ordered to serve in The Korean War and soon departed Atlanta with a military transfer to Japan. Before he left, he proposed and even left Janie his beloved car. Every night he would write a letter to her in the most beautiful penmanship, sharing every detail of his life in Japan and proclaiming his love for her. In every letter he began, "My dearest darling.." Bob returned home to Janie and the two were married on February 15, 1953, in a beautiful traditional Catholic mass at Sacred Heart in Atlanta. Two children soon followed, Angela Marie Olsen, born on December 16, 1955, followed by Robert "Bobby" Olsen, Jr. on September 30, 1959. The family lived in various places throughout metro Atlanta. Bob found his career and calling working as a wholesale food salesman for Capital Foods. Bob was a humble and hard worker and a good provider for his family. Though he was uncomfortable with accolades, there were many shared about him over the years: "Bob was a true gentleman, a man of character and integrity, someone you could always depend on, a kind and decent man, Bob had a dry sense of humor who adored his wife and family. One of his great nephews called him 'Comfortable Man.'" Bob and Janie were different as night and day- Janie was outgoing, charming and quick to say "yes" to any party or social occasion. Bob was more introverted, reserved, steady and comfortable in the background. He was a legendary home cook and learned to cook the best Italian and American meals, enjoyed by many. His other hobbies included yardwork and watching the Atlanta Braves. He was a true American patriot and loved his country and came to love everything Italian, largely influenced by his Sicilian bride and her wonderful extended family. Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Janie Olsen, Mother, Anna Olsen, Father, Frede Hans Christian Olsen. He is survived by his daughter, Angela Olsen Martin, son, Robert Olsen, daughter-in-law Rena Olsen, grandchildren, Madison Olsen Gerardi and her husband, Michael Gerardi, grandson, Vincent Olsen and his wife, Mary Kate Olsen and grandson, Maxwell Jamison and his wife, Noel Jamison. Bob lived to see two great grandchildren enter the world, Juniper Rose Jamison and Janie Grace Gerardi. Bob was a beloved "Pop" to his grandchildren and "Uncle Bob" to a number of nieces and nephews-they loved him deeply, like a father, as have many others throughout his years on earth. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church with Father Greg Goolsby officiating; interment will follow at Westview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Robert Olsen, Sr., to VFW Post 5290, 1432 VFW Drive SW, Conyers, GA. 30012. Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com.

Robert William Olsen, Sr

November 24, 1928 - March 6, 2025