About This Memory Space
This page was created for David Charles Olson's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor David Charles Olson's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew David Charles Olson. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
David Charles Olson crafted a life of steadfast commitment, blending intellectual curiosity, naval adventure, entrepreneurial drive, and unwavering family devotion into a tapestry that inspired all who knew him.
From his roots in Mishawaka, Indiana, David built a remarkable journey marked by service, business acumen, and a passion for nature's rhythms. After excelling in high school and earning a physics degree from Wabash College, he answered the call to naval duty, navigating Pacific waters with precision and enthusiasm. Returning home, he nurtured a printing legacy while forging a profound partnership with his wife Judy, raising sons amid the serene backdrop of Birch Lake summers. Retirement beckoned him to North Carolina's mountains, where he immersed himself in hiking trails, arboretum stewardship, and community outreach, always guided by a sharp mind and compassionate spirit.
David's professional path shone through his naval tenure as a Lieutenant and Communications Officer on USS Ponchatoula and USS Current, followed by decades steering Printer's Press. Taking the helm from his father in 1969, he and Judy propelled the business forward, engaging deeply with the South Bend-Mishawaka Chamber of Commerce, Mishawaka Lions Club, and Sunnyside Presbyterian Church until its 2003 sale. His detail-oriented leadership not only sustained a local enterprise but also strengthened community ties.
Family & Loved Ones
Cherished moments by Birch Lake wove the fabric of David's closest relationships, where he rekindled romance with Judy Brown, leading to their 1967 marriage and a shared home in South Bend filled with raising sons Jeffrey and Todd. Judy stood as his unwavering anchor, their bond a model of mutual encouragement through life's chapters. His affections extended to brother Donald and sisters Frances and Margaret, while grandchildren Davis and Russell brought fresh joy to his later years, all enriched by his principled guidance and quiet generosity.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Echoes from David's circle capture a man whose quiet strength and thoughtful presence left indelible marks, with shared recollections emphasizing his principled nature, family-first heart, and joyful embrace of lake and mountain pursuits.
For those looking for service information