By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – Longtime Marshfield teacher and community volunteer, Graham Olson passed away Oct. 23, at the age of 76.

Graham Olson graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and began teaching in Marshfield in 1966, where he remained an educator until 2002.

Olson

Olson also served as the high school varsity baseball coach for 16 years, and student council advisor for 21 years.  Olson was also one of the founders of the Marshfield AP program.

“Graham always said it was a team of teachers that started the AP Program, not wanting solo credit.  He wanted students to be challenged while learning,” said former Marshfield school board member, Amber Leifheit.

After retiring from teaching in 2002, he was elected to the Marshfield District School Board for three terms.

“I learned so much watching how he interacted with other board members, staff, and the community,” added Leifheit. “He approached each decision fairly, listening to learn more about all sides of an issue before thoughtfully  deciding how his vote would be cast.  After he left the board he continued to mentor me, meeting with me to discuss issues.”

Graham’s mentoring extended outside school facilities. He was the director of the Marshfield Little League baseball program, 1969-1995. The little league fields at the Miller Recreation Area are named in his honor.

Graham joined the Marshfield American Legion Board of Directors in 1981 and served as Legion baseball secretary, 1985-2011. He also coached the Marshfield Legion team in 1969.

“Graham Olson was extremely smart, well spoken, and caring.  He gave so much of himself to so many local organizations giving freely of his time.  He volunteered at House of the Dove, the Community Foundation, American Legion baseball, and fundraising for the new athletic facilities.  He was passionate about students and helping them.  You could see him light up talking about what he was working on,” recalled Leifheit.

Olson is survived by his wife, Georginanna; and sons Tony and Andy and their families; and his sister, Karen.

A celebration of life will be hosted at the American Legion Post No. 54 on Oct. 30, 3-6 p.m.