Irving W. Olson, 80, of 251 Chapel St., died peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2008 surrounded by his family in the Leo P. LaChance Rehab. & Nursing Center, Gardner.

   He leaves his wife of 56 years, Phyllis M. (Holmes) Olson; two daughters, Kristina A. Hunter wife of Robert Hunter of Shrewsbury and Lynne I. Olson of Holden; a grandson, Andrew W. Hunter of Shrewsbury; 3 brothers, Roland E. and Donald L. Olson both of Holden and Roger M. Olson of Tamworth, NH; nephews and nieces. He was born and raised in Worcester, son of Karl E. and Anna C. (Nyberg) Olson, and lived in Worcester until moving to Holden in 1958. He was a graduate of Commerce High School and Worcester Junior College. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre.

   Mr. Olson worked for Norton Co. for 40 years, retiring as a Production Supervisor in 1989. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Morning Star Lodge of Masons in Worcester, Greendale Retired Men’s Club, Harold N. Keith American Legion Post 204 in West Boylston, Holden Historical Society and Holden Senior Center. He was an avid fan of the former Boston Braves and enjoyed golfing.

   Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 4th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. The funeral service for Mr. Olson will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday in Immanuel Lutheran Church, Holden. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 346 Shrewsbury St., Holden, MA 01520.