Joseph Leonard Olsson

Joseph "Joe" Leonard Olsson, 86, of Beaverton, Oregon passed away Thursday March 20, 2014 after a long struggle with dementia. A celebration of life service will be held May 4 from 1 PM to 4 PM at his home in Beaverton. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joe's memory to your favorite charity.

Joe was born to Jonas and Zella (Reith) Olsson on November 8, 1927. After graduating from Benson High School in Portland, Oregon in 1945, he enlisted in the Navy where he served as an aviation machinist mate. He attended Vanport College and then Portland State College - after Vanport flooded in 1948.

On May 18, 1949, he married B. Jean Padgett. Sole owner of Olsson Construction Company, Joe enjoyed construction contracting, and worked long past retirement age. An avid boater and member of the Columbia River Yacht Club since 1976, Joe spent much of his spare time on the water. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Joe is survived by his wife B. Jean Olsson to whom he was happily married for 64 years. He is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Randall and husband Herbert Randall of Sherwood, Oregon; son Craig Olsson of Tujunga, California; son, Bruce Olsson and wife Penny of Beaverton, Oregon; and son Don Olsson and wife Nancy Olsson of Hillsboro, Oregon.  He is also survived by grandchildren Robert Jason Young, Vancouver, WA; Stephanie Verbout, Vancouver, WA; Brett Olsson, San Francisco, CA; Katie Olsson, Portland, OR; Janet Olsson, Portland, OR; Gwen Olsson, Omaha, Nebraska; Colette Olsson, Hillsboro, OR; Sally Olsson, Hillsboro, OR; and Roxanne Olsson, Hillsboro, OR.  He also leaves behind seven great grandchildren and is survived by sisters Pat Barton of Covina, CA and Marge Follette of Alamo, CA, and several nieces and nephews.