Waldemar Marshall Olson

Waldemar Marshall Wally Olson, 76. of Rockford, died unexpectedly Thursday, January 10, 2008 in his home. Wally was born on January 27, 1931 near Eau Claire, WI to Palmer and Evelyn Olson. He grew up near Mondovi and attended Shaldon Valley School. He later moved to Elkmound, WI where he attended Elk Mound High School in Dunn County. Wally enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 17th birthday and rose to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer before earning a direct commission as aviator unrestricted line officer. After aviation school, he served as a training officer and on various aircraft carriers in the Naval Intelligence Field. He retired as Lieutenant Commander on Jan. 6, 1973 after 27 years. Wally married Irmgard Barbara Schotzie Barnes on Nov. 12, 1971 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They lived in Pensacola, FL before moving to Rockford in 1986. Wally loved to tell a story and never met a stranger. nbsp; Wally is survived by his wife, Barbara of Rockford; children, Wanda (James) Biskaduros of Chantelly, VA, Dana (John) Bennett of Prattville, AL and Mark (Robin) of Pensacola, FL; step-children, Harold (Kathy) Barnes, Serena (John) Ingrassia both of Rockford and Clyde (Vanessa) Barnes of Machesney Park; former daughter-in-law, Tonja Barnes of Loves Park; grandchildren, Danny and Randy Marshall, Eric and Zack Biskarduros, Jeff and Jackie Bennett, Blake and Spencer Olson, Michael and Kristina Ingrassia, Geoffrey Barnes, Karlina, Brianna and Carter Barnes; great-grandchildren, Brittany, DJ, Savannah and Hunter Marshall and Cadence Bennett; brothers and sisters, Gene, Leroy, Gerald, Norman, Elaine, Carmen, Mavis and Algie; former wife, Pina Galanides of Florida; special friend, Karen DAgostin. Predeceased by his parents, daughter and son-in-law, Veronica and Tommy Marshall; sister, Audrey Knoff. We love you so much, we are going to miss you with all our hearts and soul. Take care of Veronica and Tommy in heaven. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Visitation will continue Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Interment in Scandinavian Cemetery at a later date. nbsp;In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital. To express condolences online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.