Theodore “Ted” Henry Olesen, 80, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. Born on October 20, 1941, he was the son of the late Henry “Hank” Theodore Olesen and Cecelia Wilkening Olesen.
Ted was a graduate of Kaneland High School in Illinois, where he played basketball and football. At the beginning of his career, Ted started as a Draftsman at St. Charles Kitchens in Illinois and worked his way to become a Senior Project Manager until his retirement in the Laboratory Furniture Industry at Kewaunee Scientific. In his earlier years, he was a Scout Master for the WEBELOS and was very active in coaching Little League Football. He even served as Past President of the PTA (Parent Teacher’s Association) in Geneva, Ill.
He was an avid golfer. Ted and his wife Trish loved to travel and were both wine connoisseurs. He was a self-sufficient and resourceful handyman who was always there for his sons and helped them with anything they needed. Ted coined the phrase “if they can do it, I can figure it out.”
In addition to his parents, Henry “Hank” Theodore and Cecelia Olesen, he was preceded in death by his son, Todd James Olesen.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of which they celebrated 25 wonderful years together traveling, Trish Meredith Olesen; his sons, Michael D. Olesen, Markus D. Olesen (Marci), and Matthew D. Olesen (Kelly); grandchildren, Brittani L. Nix (Rainer), Madison D. Olesen (Becky), and Maxwell D. Olesen; great-grandson, Sebastian R. Nix; sisters, Marilyn Railey (Robert) and Evelyn Strausberger (Marty); many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also included in Ted’s life are additional family members, Elizabeth and Josh Bunton, Josh Merritt, and eight grandchildren, Jacob, Abigail, Isaac, David, Jason, and Rachel Bunton, and Cason and Mallorie Merritt.
In honor of Ted’s wishes, no formal service will be held. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.
Nicholson Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.