Douglas Lee Olson

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Douglas Lee Olson, age 70, Orono, MN and Phoenix, AZ on April 23, 2018.

Doug lost his courageous 9-yr battle with cancer, passing away peacefully, with his loving wife of 25 yrs by his side. As a couple, they worked, traveled and loved spending time with each other, family and friends. Doug was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren! He was a generous man who brought joy to everyone he met.

Doug was born on July 2, 1947, to Paul Olson and Henrietta (Hill). Doug is survived by his wife Karen, children Colin Olson (Corazon), Michelle De La Pena (Simon), Angela Hopping (Matthew), Brandon Martin; 5 Grandchildren Gavin, Hallee, Lizzy, Ava and Charlette. Doug is also survived by his brother Tom Olson (Ann), sister Barbara Pederson (Gregg), sister-in-law Georgia Johnson and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doug graduated from Fridley HS in 1965 and was an Electrical Construction graduate from Dunwoody in 1968. Doug loved his work as an Electrician and Electrical Contractor, and often said: "If you find a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life." He was also a risk taker, an entrepreneur and a leader, who, while working for various firms, rose from Apprentice Electrician, to Journeyman Wireman, Foreman, Superintendent and General Superintendent.

In 1975 Doug was hired by Premier Electrical Corporation, and in 1987, Doug and Fred Jahnke purchased Premier Electrical Corp. Doug served 6 years on the Board of Directors of the Minneapolis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). He was President of NECA 1998-2000 and was Governor of NECA from 2001-2004. During that time, Doug worked to bring about the Minneapolis Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center. Doug had a strong work ethic and was directly involved in the construction of car, rail and transportation systems, waste management, health-care facilities, public institutions, commercial buildings and many other challenging electrical installations in the Midwest. In recognition for his accomplishments toward improving the electrical industry, Doug was awarded membership into the Academy of Electrical Contractors. He was a member of the "Jury of Fellows" and served on the National Committee for Legislation affecting Electrical Contractors. In 2003 Doug received the James H. McGraw National Award for Advancement of the Electrical Industry. In 2010 Doug won the Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Dunwoody College of Technology.

Doug will be deeply missed.

Visitation one hour prior to service.

Monday, May 21, 2018 05:00 PM

The Church of St. Bartholomew 630 East Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391

Visitation one hour prior to service.