Robert "Bob" D. Olsen

Robert “Bob” D. Olsen was welcomed into eternal life on August 13th, 2025, at the Hospice Home of Hope with family by his side, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to Vernie and Marie Olsen in March 1947. He attended the public school system and, up to the end, could still recall where all the original schools were located and what shenanigans had occurred at each. Bob graduated from Goodrich High School in 1965 and went on to serve in the US Air Force.

During his military stint in Kansas City, he met the love of his life, Socorro; they married just eight months later on April 20, 1968. He just knew she was the one. After several military moves and an overseas tour to Korea, they settled in Fond du Lac to raise their family. He would do anything for his family, putting them even before his own needs. To say he was proud of his family and his grandchildren would be an understatement. It was a favorite family tradition that he hosted Thanksgiving at his house, so happy to make and serve the extended family, where many memories were made over the years.

Bob spent the majority of his professional career working at Oshkosh Truck Corporation, as a Systems Design Engineer and Manager, retiring on paper in 2010, but keeping a close eye on what happened, always “couch” engineering because that’s just how he rolled - always thinking of a better way to do something.

Bob had many gifts that he shared freely with others. He was an avid woodworker and created beautiful pieces of art to give to family and friends. In the mid 1980s he even reengineered and created a wooden miniature of the Oshkosh Truck tactical vehicle that was sent to and displayed at the Pentagon.

Although Bob’s formal education stopped after a technical degree, he clearly was one of the smartest men; if there was a problem to solve Bob was going to figure it out. He designed and created many tools and patterns for a variety of work projects, but would never submit them for patents, his silent gifts to the world.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Robin (Michael) Winkler; his son Robert (Joe Perdue) Olsen; his grandchildren, Antonia Winkler and Veronica (Jesse) Grimmett; his sister Nancy Gray; sisters-in-law, Henrietta Lujan and Florence (Charlie) Williams; along with many adored nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Soc, of 55 years; his parents; his sister and brother-in-law Doris and Gordy Treffert; his brother and sister-in-law Vern and Gert Olsen; his brother-in-law Carl Gray; as well as, several nephews and extended family.

As Bob was a very private person, he requested that there be no services; cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will occur at a later date.

Any memorials may be directed to his family through Uecker-Witt or the Fond du Lac Area Foundation in care of the Olsen-Winkler Fund in his name.

Robert’s family would like to acknowledge Hospice Home of Hope for the exceptional care and support they provided to both Bob and his family during this difficult journey. As well as, Denise Lewis of Hospice, and Julie Schwartz at SSM Adult Day Center for helping him through his journey of caring for his wife while she was battling Alzheimer's.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com