David Charles Olson

David Charles Olson, 85, passed away peacefully on December 30 in Indianapolis, Indiana, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

David is survived by his brother, Donald Olson (Nancy); his sisters, Frances Roddiger (Henry) and Margaret Olson (Gary); his sons, Jeffrey Olson (Angela) and Todd Olson (Sharon); and his grandchildren, Davis Olson and Russell Olson.

Born on September 13, 1940, in Mishawaka, Indiana, David was the son of the late William Theodore and Mary Elizabeth Olson. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1958 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Wabash College in 1962.

Following graduation, Dave enrolled in U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He served in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1966 as a Communications Officer aboard the USS Ponchatoula and the USS Current, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Based in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, he traveled extensively during his service and greatly enjoyed his time in the Navy.

In 1966, Dave returned to Mishawaka and began working alongside his father at Printer’s Press. Around this time, he spent more time at his parents’ lake cottage and reconnected with his future wife, Judy Olson (Brown), at Birch Lake in Vandalia, Michigan. Just six months later, they were married on February 4, 1967. They made their home in South Bend, Indiana, spending summers at Birch Lake while raising their two sons. Judy was always Dave’s priority—not only as his wife, but as his partner in every aspect of life, supporting her throughout their shared journey.

Dave purchased Printer’s Press from his father in 1969. During the 1990s, Dave and Judy managed the business together, actively participating in local business and community organizations. He owned and successfully operated Printer’s Press until its sale in 2003.

Dave was deeply involved in the South Bend–Mishawaka Chamber of Commerce and was an active member of the Mishawaka Lions Club and Sunnyside Presbyterian Church. After retiring to Birch Lake, he embraced lake life, enjoying sailing, running, volunteering, and any activity near the water.

In 2013, Dave and Judy relocated to Candler, North Carolina, to be closer to the mountains they loved. There, they hiked frequently, traveled, and volunteered at the North Carolina Arboretum and with Haywood Street Congregation, serving meals to those in need. Dave was intelligent, detail-oriented, supportive, principled, and deeply caring.

Dave was a devoted husband, father, brother, and business owner who will be dearly missed.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, from 12:30pm to 1pm, with a funeral service to follow at 1pm, at Flanner Buchanan - Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dave's memory to the Haywood Street Congregation in Asheville, NC.