August 13, 1946 – January 8, 2026
Robert “Bob” Olsen, 79 formerly of Free Soil passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Lake Michigan Senior Living in Ludington. He is the spouse of retired elder Rev. Susan D. Olsen.
Robert (Bob) Olsen was born August 13, 1946, to Edwin W. and Frances J. Cooper at Kansas City, MO. Following the family’s return to Michigan Bob grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan in South Haven. Graduating from L.C. Mohr High School in 1967, where Bob was affectionately known as “Bobo”, Bob entered the University of Michigan where he was to meet fellow student and wife-to-be Susan D. Wolf.
Bob and Sue married on June 14, 1970, and upon graduation from U of M, remained in Ann Arbor for a period of time entering the world of entrepreneurship operating a gift shop specializing in glassware and fine art items. Eventually Bob and Sue decided to settle in Free Soil, Mich., where Sue grew up and moved into the home in which Sue grew up. While Sue was giving piano lessons and teaching French at a local community college, Bob started his paint contractor business, often helping those who struggled to pay for such work.
When Sue decided to enter the ministry and seek ordination by the United Methodist Church, Bob became her greatest supporter, assisting her in any way possible for Sue to achieve her dream. After serving many churches in rural Western Michigan, Sue passed away in June of 2015, and Bob returned to Free Soil.
Bob and Sue did not have children and Bob struggled to live indepen-dently following Sue’s death. Bob will be remembered for being the kind and gentle soul that he was, his love for all things University of Michigan, reading the printed word and dedication to his beloved wife Sue.
Bob was preceded in death by parents Edwin and Frances Olsen and wife Sue. Bob is survived by his sister Judy K. Somers of Reno, Nevada, and brother Carl (Sue) Olsen of Bozeman, Montana.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to those many care workers who attended Bob in recent years with special thanks to Lena Bluestein and her staff at Blue Hat Ministries, Ludington, the staff at Lake Michigan Senior Living and Hospice of Ludington.
Per Bob’s wishes he has been cremated and his ashes will be interred with those of wife Sue at Free Soil.
A celebration of life is being contemplated for sometime this summer.
Last Updated on March 17, 2026