RACINE - Oscar 'Ben' Bennett Olson, 86, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2012, at his residence surrounded by his family, into the arms of Jesus. He died as he lived with faith, courage, dignity and honor. Ben was a lifelong resident of Racine, born on May 2, 1925, the son of the late C. Oscar and Rose E. (nee: Nelsen) Olson. He attended William Horlick High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corp on October 6, 1941. Ben proudly served in the South Pacific Theatre and was discharged from M. B. Klamath Falls, Oregon on October 27, 1945. On May 18, 1946 he was united in marriage to Marion R. Tigges, in Racine. Ben along with his son, Martin owned and operated Nelson Welding Supply, Inc. for 16 years, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the American Welding Society and served on the Advisory Board for Gateway Technical College, where he was a welding instructor. Ben also was a Racine Firefighter for 18 years. He was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Ben was a past member of the church council, a financial secretary, usher and a Lutheran Boy Pioneer Leader. Ben is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Marion, and their children, Kathy (Jerry) Schultz, John (Judy) Olson of Appleton, Martin (Lucinda) Olson, Ruth (Raymond) Schwingle, all of Racine and daughter-in-law, Christine Olson of Hudson; grandchildren, David, Jason (Missy), Jennifer (Bryan), Casey, Jessica, Martin (Jackie), Nathan (Cass) SPC. U.S. Army, stationed in Ft. Benning, Ga, Christian (Melissa), Ben (Missy), Tim (Melissa), Heather (Curt), Matthew (Ashley) SPC U.S. Army stationed in Kansas, Nola (Eric), Mary (Andy), Melissa (Ryan), Maggie (Adam), Kate, Jonathan, and James (Rebecca), special adopted daughter, Marie Hornes of Middleton; 28 great grandchildren; sister-in- law and brother-in-law, Carol (Frederick) Johnson of Racine, sisters-in-law Isabelle Olson of Kenosha, Dawn Tigges of Burlington and Joyce Tigges of Elkhorn. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ben was preceded in death by a son, David Olson on May 5, 1993, grandson, John Jr.; brothers, Robert and Roland; mother-in-law, Albertine Tigges; brothers-in-law, Robert, George (Katherine), William (Helen) Tigges. Funeral services will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran church, 720 Villa St. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Aaron Dolan officiating. Ben will be laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park with full military honors. There will be a visitation at the church on Wednesday, before services from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Those wishing to remember Ben in a special way may direct memorials to Shoreland Lutheran High School, Industrial Arts Dept. or to First Evangelical Lutheran Church has been suggested. Sturino Funeral Home 3014 NORTHWESTERN AV 262-632-4479 www.sturinofuneralhome.com