Craig James Olson, 67, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 17, 2016, after an extended illness. Craig was born October 21, 1948 in Escanaba Michigan, to Raymond L. and Patricia A. (Ammel) Olson. Craig was one of nine children. Craig graduated from Peru High School in1966 and later married the love of his life, Peggy Swinford, who survives.
Craig retired from Square D Company in 2013 after many years of service. He was an active member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, VFW, and the Literary Aid. Craig was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing, hunting, golfing, auto racing, frisbee golf, gardening, and all types of music. He was a faithful Indianapolis Colts fan, loved animals-especially “Trooper” and “Oscar” and “tinkering” in his barn. Craig also managed to make it to the “office” almost every day of the week.
Craig never met a stranger, he was a faithful friend and will be fondly remembered and loved by all who knew him. Always humble, funny and kind, Craig will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Craig is survived by his wife, Peggy (Swinford) Olson; daughter, Alaina Ramer (Jason); grandchildren, Ethen and Emmalee Ramer. Also surviving are in-laws, Wayne and Margaret (Swinford) Pence; sister and brother-in-law, Susie and Charlie Hubler; step-brothers and sisters, Stephen Pence, Cheryl Weeden, and Stan and Rhonda Ridlin.
Sisters and brothers surviving Craig are Cookie Whybrew (Charles), Sharon Shuey (Bill), Gerri Mavrick (Mike), Janice Gardner (Nathan), Dede Scragg (Jay), Mark R. Olson and John J. Olson; sister-in-law, Diana Olson (Brian), numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews, and his loyal four-legged buddy, “Oscar.”
Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond L. and Patricia A. Olson; father-in-law, Robert D. Swinford; brother-in-law, Charles F. Whybrew; and brother, Brian Olson.
The family would like to thank St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dr. Milton, Dr. Mull, Premiere Hospice, and all medical and nursing staff for their love and compassion during Craig’s long journey.
Funeral services for Craig J. Olson will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 10 am, at Riverview Funeral Home, 421 West Canal, Peru, Indiana, with Pastor John Law officiating. Family and friends may call Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 2pm – 7pm at Riverview Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peggy Olson in memory of, Craig to aid with medical expenses and for distribution to Craigs favorite charities.
Messages of condolence may be left online at riverviewfhperu.com. Funeral arrangements have be entrusted to Riverview Funeral Home.