Allen Clayton Olson, 80, Howard, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023 surrounded by his family.  He was born in Rice Lake, WI on March 9, 1943 to the late Robert and Agatha (Hayes) Olson.  Allen was a graduate of Mary Bradford High School, Kenosha, served in the United States Army, and later went on to earn many certifications from notable sales institutions. Allen was a lifelong professional salesman and self-starter. His expansive career included starting  his own air freight shipping business, Arrow Express, Inc., was the Wisconsin Regional Director of Farmland Industries, and lastly, retiring from BSI Inc. Over the course of his career, he significantly impacted the various industries he worked in and built many meaningful relationships and friendships along the way.

Allen married Sally Salewski on August 9, 1964 in Pound, WI.  Survivors include his children; Christina (Tom) Scanlan, Jill (Paul) Sobieck, Kerry Olson (Wendy Bauer),  six grandchildren; Ryan (Kierra) Scanlan, Riley Scanlan, Caitlyn (Bryce) Reed, Courtney Scanlan, Mykala Sobieck, Grant (Rebecca) Sobieck,  great grandchildren;  Hudson Scanlan and two that are en route, in-laws; Deanna Olson, Corrine Olson, Jacqueline and Merlin Behling, Donna Salewski, Howard and Gaynell Salewski, Jean and Michaell Merriman.

Allen was preceded in death by his wife Sally, his parents Robert and Agatha Olson, brothers; Robert Jr., Michael, and David Olson, mother and father in-law, Myron and Adeline Salewski, in-laws; Lucy and Mayme Olson, David and Erlene Salewski, Jack and Beverly Salewski, Jerry and Arbutus Salewski,  Allan Salewski, Patrick Salewski.

Allen was a lifelong salesman and as such, was a magnificent storyteller and could weave an intricate reminiscence of his youth, and many life adventures.  His tales of yesteryear, whether it was fishing at a young age with his brothers or "scoopin' the loop" in Rice Lake as a teenager, brought many chuckles (and further questions) to any listener who had the privilege of spending time with him.

Through his jobs, Allen was able to travel and live across several states, and one of his favorite pastimes was seeing the countryside, learning local history, visiting little Mom and Pop restaurants and eating local dishes.  As he was always on the road, he got to know the best gas stations for the best fried chicken and could recommend the best stops for great food at a good price.

Allen grew up from a fishing and hunting family, and spent many enjoyable times hunting with his family up north at his brother Bob's cabin, as well as taking many fishing trips to Lake Michigan and local lakes with his family. He loved being on the water with his boat, and with his "girls" (wife and daughters), and catching fish, although he probably spent more time baiting and untangling fishing lines for three out of four of the girls!

Allen was widowed in 2018, and once again created many new friendships through his time spent at the Salvation Army.  He had a great group of friends and spent many happy hours with them, and visited local restaurants for breakfast and lunch.  Allen became a new baker after Sally's death, and would often bring his new dessert recipes to the luncheons at Salvation Army.

Allen was a cherished son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law, and friend, and his presence in our lives will be greatly missed.

Family and friends may call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., (one quarter mile east on the corner of Cardinal Ln. and Glendale Ave.) on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m..  The Funeral Service will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. James Lucas officiating.  Online condolences welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com .

The family extends a very special Thank You to all the nurses and doctors at St. Mary's Hospital, ICU department, for their compassionate care.