Kenneth L. Olson

Kenneth L. “Ken” Olson of Janesville, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 18, 2025, after suffering several months with prostate cancer which he had for 8 years. He was age 86. He was born on January 14, 1939, in Wauwatosa, Wis., the son of Alice M. Olson. He came home to live with his mother, Aunt Marie and Uncle Harry Sarow along with several cousins. He attended several different schools as well as Milton and Whitewater High Schools and received his GED while in the U.S. Army.

Ken enjoyed stock car races, and this is where he met his future wife, Betty Waldmann. Ken was drafted into the U.S. Army and entered service just before Thanksgiving in 1961, but the whole unit was allowed to come home for Christmas. He had a leave the following May, and he and Betty were married May 22, 1962. Following their marriage, Ken was sent to Germany for 18 months where he was stationed. He was discharged on November 27, 1963. Ken passed away 4 days before their 63rd anniversary.

Ken loved being a truck driver and drove for Janesville Auto Transport Company for 36 years. He was a big country music fan. He had a great voice and enjoyed playing the guitar. He loved going to auctions and garage sales and always had to come home with something new, thus the reason for all of the collectables that he accumulated.

Ken Olson is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Sandy (Tim) Peterson, Brian (Jodie) Olson, and Tammy (Tom) Jones; grandchildren, Briton (Christina) Peterson, Cameron (Sam) Peterson, Morgan Olson, twins, Tannica and Treyton Jones, Tanya (Thomas) Dunn, and Kyle (Hannah) Jones; great-grandchildren, Cason, Clark, Bayleigh, Kyle, Izaiah, Brinley, and Logan; and cousins, Jerry Sarow, Phyllis Canwell, Pat Miller, Carol Kingsley, Karen Sarow, and Kay Miles. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Ullrich; grandparents, Anna and Fred Quade; aunt, Marie Sarow, uncle, Harry Sarow; cousin, Dave Sarow; and stepsister, Anne Kjornes.

A special thank you to Pastor Janke for all of his visits and to Agrace HospiceCare, especially Sara’s team, for the wonderful care they gave to Ken.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at ST. MATTHEW’S EVANGELICAL LUTHEAN CHURCH, 709 Milton Avenue, Janesville. Pastor James Janke will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 23rd. Burial with military rites by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post #1621 will be at Milton Lawns Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The Olson family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.