Norman L. Olson 1937-2025

He had been fighting, and winning, a 5-year cancer diagnosis, but his heart said “Enough! Let’s go see Jesus!”

On Jan. 16, he would have been 88 years old.

Norman was born Jan. 16, 1937, in Cleveland, to the late Adam Bernard Hrivnak Olson and Esther Frances Riffel Olson, and grew up in Ashtabula.

He served in the United States Air Force in France at Chateauroux Air Depot, which was the same place his father served.

He was employed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and retired as a lieutenant of the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Department after 30 years. He was a volunteer fireman for the Mineral Ridge Fire Department, which he loved.

Norm enjoyed model railroading, watching NASCAR races, the Cleveland Indians / Guardians, Cleveland Browns and riding his horses in his younger years. He made friends with the squirrels in his retirement years and they would eat from his hand. He had one wild raccoon that would knock on his door every morning for a peanut butter sandwich.

Norman had two children with his late first wife, Rebecca Coffelt Olson.

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Lee Olson of Ashtabula; and his beloved cat, Beep.

He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel D. Olson, who passed Oct. 31, 2024; his parents; his brother, Ronald D. Olson; and a nephew, Tony Santilli.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, there will be no funeral services or calling hours.

A memorial service and burial honoring his and his son’s lives will be held in the spring of 2025. Donations in his name may be made to any animal protection league or rescue.

Arrangements were handled by Fleming & Billman Funeral Home.

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