Gene Edward Olson

1937 ∼ 2023

Gene Edward Olson, 86, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving morning Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin surrounded by his loved ones. Gene was born on June 29th, 1937, in Kenosha, Wisconsin and grew up in Bristol, Wisconsin. Gene grew up in the household of Edward and Linnea Olson in Bristol. Gene graduated from the third ever graduating class at Salem Central High School in 1955 in which he received valedictorian honors. Gene furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in which he received a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in the class of 1960. Gene had a worldwide recognized career at Snap-On Tools Inc. in Kenosha, Wisconsin in which he was a well-known commodity for over 60 years. Gene began as a draftsman out of high school in 1956 and in the summers during college. Gene then began as an engineer in 1960 after graduating college. Gene’s forward thinking and innovations led him to become known as the “Father of Flank Drive” at Snap-On and was awarded with about two dozen patents that gave Snap-On its prestigious reputation that it has in the tool industry today. Gene rose through the ranks of the engineering world and ended as a Chief Engineer in 1995. Gene traveled quite a bit representing Snap-On in various trials in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Gene then started his own company to consult on product liability laws, almost entirely on contract with Snap-On. Gene continued working for Snap-On in some capacity until September 2022. Gene met and married his wife Arlene at UW-Madison and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Gene and Arlene were worldwide travelers and enjoyed many vacations with Gene’s high-school friend, Jim (Esther) Huntoon. Gene was a dedicated Wisconsin Badgers fan and has had season tickets since the 1970’s. Gene has received Season Ticket Holder of the Game honors and has seen the Badger Football team play in many places such as Tokyo, the Rose Bowl, and has attended 30 of the Badgers’ bowl games with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Gene also was in attendance for the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XXXI victory in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1997. In addition to Gene’s successes in his career, he was involved in various church, work, and charity organizations that he gave a lot of time and effort to. Gene was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kenosha where he was a longtime usher and volunteer. In addition to his dedication to the church, Gene was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Western Kenosha where Gene was an organizer and volunteer at many events such as Cohorama, Taste of Wisconsin, and organizing Christmas basket deliveries throughout the city of Kenosha. Gene also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and at the Shalom Center for many years. Lastly, Gene was on the Board of Directors for organizations such as the Wisconsin Alumni Association, Southeast Wisconsin Blood Bank, and the Hospice Alliance. Gene also was a member for the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers and the 306 Club. Gene was most proud of being a dedicated and faithful husband, father, and grandfather. Gene is survived by his wife Arlene; sister, Joyce (Ralph) Myers; son, Scott Olson; daughter Kimberly Graba, grandchildren Jessica (Mackenzie) Widder, Joseph Olson, Edward Graba, great-grandchild Clara Widder, and step granddaughter Stephanie Monday and many step great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Additional visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 919 - 60 Street, Kenosha, WI, on Monday, November 27, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at North Bristol Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to First United Methodist Church or the Shalom Center.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111 60th St. 262 654 3533Visit & Sign Gene’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Jim Pierce November 28, 2023

I was sorry to learn that Gene had pasted away. As a former member of his Kiwanis Club, who moved to Appleton over 30 years ago, I still remember his enthusiasm, leadership, and dedication to Kiwanis and the community. Gene felt comfortable either leading, or following, but always one of the first to volunteer. He was one of the best Kiwanians I ever volunteered with, in my 50 years of membership. Kenosha has lost an outstanding leader, who truly cared about the community, and the people who lived there. God Bless Gene and his Family. Jim Pierce

Janet Milton November 27, 2023

They say grief only exists where love existed first. I had the pleasure & honor to work with Gene for almost 18 years. We defended our product liability cases together, and I spent a few hours each day going over cases, tools and inspection reports with him. Gene taught me how to take a ratchet apart and put it back together with minimal swearing on my part and a lot of patience on his part; crafting and discussing warning messages and meticulous attention to detail. He had a great sense of humor and an inquisitive nature. I remember one year, I gave him a 12 month calendar with math problems to solve daily, I thought it would take him a while, but about a month later, he had them all solved. Over the years I sent Gene on many site inspections, and he would come back with the most interesting observations - some we talked about many times over the years. His peonies were stunning; he would bring me some from his garden to share their beauty, and it would make my day. Knowing and working with Gene has been the best part of my life here at Snap-on, and it won't be the same without him. I am heartily sorry for Arlene and Gene's family on their loss of a husband and father. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

Jerry Bakula November 26, 2023

I have many fond memories working with Gene for nearly 25 years in Engineering and on Product Liability cases. He was just a great person to work with and he will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family

David Lauer November 26, 2023

The most intelligent person I have ever met. And yet such a humble man. I cannot imagine Snap-on Tools if "The Father of Flank Drive" had hired on somewhere else. We connected up again at Relay For Life. My deepest sympathies go out to all of Gene's family and friends as I reflect on what a blessing we all had to have Gene in our lives. Rest in peace, Gene. You did a great job in your time here.

Debra November 26, 2023

Gene unknowingly taught me a valuable lesson in life: As a very young secretary in the Engineering department at Snap-on, I was initially intimidated by Gene. He was the Chief Engineer, after all, and in those days Management had “offices” of their own. Gene was a quiet person, and I supposed that this scared me whenever I needed to discuss a project with him. One day, he struck up a conversation with a lady in our department with whom he attended high school. Here they were carrying on, laughing, and reminiscing about the old days. After that I realized that he wasn’t a threat. He provided the secretaries flowers from his garden EVERY year without fail for Secretary’s Day - even if we didn’t assist him that year. Gene was a kind, gentle person with whom I’ve had the pleasure to know, not to mention all the contributions he made inside and outside Snap-on. I know he will be missed by many.

John Tyrrell November 26, 2023

I was privileged to work with Gene for more than two decades as outside counsel representing Snap-on. He was smart and tough defending products liability cases. He was classy and pleasant all the time. Gene was a gentlemen and a pleasure to know.

Fritz Oppenlander November 26, 2023

I was blessed to work at Snap-on for 23 years during Gene's leadership and unmatched contributions. In addition to his undeniable intellect Gene was a man of kindness, caring, humility and committed to living a Christian life. Rest in peace, Gene. 🙏 Fritz Oppenlander

Michael Englund November 24, 2023

Gene was a treat to be around at Snap-On. Always having time for you. Whether traveling, at meetings, or down time on the road he was enjoyable and interesting.