Weldon Olson Obituary

Weldon "Weldy" Olson

The final buzzer sounded for hockey great Weldon "Weldy)" Olson. He was a two-time Olympic hockey medalist, winning a gold and silver medal. He was a brother, husband, uncle, father, and grandpa who married the girl next door and the love of his life, Helen (Robertson), nearly 63 years ago following his final Olympic appearance.

Weldy, 90, a native of Marquette, Michigan, and long-time resident of Findlay, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023.

He was born Nov. 12, 1932, the youngest of Ida (Anttila) and Frank Olson's 11 children.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; brother, Mark; three sons, Scott (Lynn), Greg (Cheryl) and Keith (Toni); and seven grandchildren.

Weldy was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Wesley, Allan, Paul, Gordy, Eddie, Roy, and Ted; and two sisters, Ruth and Virginia.

In Oct., 2022, Weldy and his brother, Mark, had a weekend celebration of 185 years of birthdays (90 and 95 respectively) along with 79 relatives.

Weldy graduated from John D. Pierce High School in Marquette, Michigan, and then attended Michigan State University (1951-1955) where he played every hockey game, was named MVP and co-captain, and had the school scoring record of 125 points. He played on the 1956 Olympic hockey team in Cortina, Italy, winning his silver medal. He then played on three national teams before winning his gold medal with the 1960 Olympic team in Squaw Valley, California. It was the first time the USA won a gold medal in hockey.

Following his Olympic career, he served as an ice hockey coach, referee, official, board member, and league administrator at various levels. He is in six Hall of Fames. His adopted hometown of Findlay celebrated Weldy Olson night Nov. 2, 2018. When asked which hockey game was his favorite he always answered, "the 1966 game in Pekin, Illinois." It was the only time he played on a team with his eight brothers and six of his nephews, beating the Pekin Stars, 14-5, for a March of Dimes benefit game.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023, until the time of Weldy's service at 11 a.m. at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services. The Rev. Kevin Taylor will officiate. A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room. Interment will be at Park Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed in remembrance of Weldy to Bridge Home Health and Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio, 45840.