Gustav E. Olsen

Gustav E. Olsen, age 81 years, formerly of New Milford, CT, died Saturday, October 2, 2004 in the Hunterdon Care Center, Raritan Township, NJ. Born in Lyngdal, Norway, November 12, 1922, he was the son of the late Abraham and Pauline Drageland. He left Norway when he was 18 years old, came to the United States and joined the U.S. Army. Mr. Olsen was a decorated veteran of World War II, participating in the Normandy Invasion and receiving a Silver Star for bravery in combat and a Purple Heart. After the war, he settled in Brooklyn, NY and married Arna Jensen at the 66th Street Church on April 5, 1952. He worked as a carpet mechanic and installer for Gundolt Carpet Co., Brooklyn, NY, retiring in 1984. In 1986, they moved to New Milford, CT and became active members of Salem Covenant Church, Washington Depot, CT. Mr. Olsen was also active in the New Milford Men's Club, Sons of Norway, and the Brookfield Bowling League. Arna, his wife of 43 years, died in 1995. Surviving are his four children, Diane Hansen of New Milford, CT, Karen Dorsey of Pittsburgh, PA, Judy Shah of Franklin, MA, and Gordon Olsen of Whitehouse Station, NJ; and his six grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 9, 2004 at 11 a.m. in Salem Covenant Church, Washington Depot, CT. Interment will follow in Center Cemetery, New Milford, CT under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Salem Covenant Church Memorial Fund, 96 Baldwin Hill Road, Washington Depot, CT, 06794.