Charles “Chuck” Oleson, 88, of Merrill, passed on to his heavenly home Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at Mount View Nursing Home, Wausau, under the care of Hospice Services.
He was born on Sept. 1, 1925 in Merrill to the late Floyd and Gertrude Oleson. He fought in World War II from 1941-1947.
He married Jean L. Schultz in October 1977 in Michigan. She survives.
Chuck spent his whole life playing his guitar; he played in a couple of country bands, The Drifters and the Country Travelers, for weddings and parties. Chuck and Jean owned a couple of bar businesses in Wausau, The Country Song and the Sportsman’s Club, where his band would also play. After he retired, he would play for the elderly at Bell Tower and Pine Crest.
He retired from driving semi for Hammerblow, Wausau, in 1988, and then drove school bus for 18 years for Peterson Bussing. He always enjoyed dressing like Santa for the students on his bus.
Chuck and Jean were members of the Park City Baptist Church in Merrill.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Jean (Sam) Oleson, Wausau; five children, IdaJo (Philip) Knospe, Merrill, Linda (Brian) Sukow, Merrill, Eugene (Marcia) Oleson, Merrill, Juli Lezotte, Merrill, Rodney Oleson, Mosinee, Floydd (Heather) Oleson, Milton-Freewater, OR; two stepchildren, Tami Schult, Racine, Scott Schult, Wausau; 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Bob Raatz, Merrill, and Jack (Aileen) Raatz, Polar, WI. Chuck also had numerous nieces and nephews.
Chuck was preceded in death by his four sisters, Helen Willems, Ardith Woller, Betty Rhyner and Evelyn Prieve.
A memorial service will be held Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. at Park City Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at the church from noon until the time of service.
The John Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.