John Rayner Olson

Dousman- John Rayner Olson, 83, passed away Sunday January 29th at the Three Pillars Masonic Center for Health and Rehab. John previously lived on Raegen Lake, Dousman and he also lived on Oconomowoc Lake for many years. John was born September 12, 1928 in Manistee, Michigan to Jerry W. and Alice O. (Rayner) Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents. John is survived by his sister Geraldine O. (Wells) Hudson of West Lafayette, Indiana, a niece Ann (Edward) Niehoff and grandniece Elizabeth from Bronxville, New York. 'Uncle John' became part of the family for his special friends Ronald and Nancy Hinz and their children Ann and David. He will be missed by his many friends and the watchful, caring staff at the Masonic Home. John graduated from Michigan College of Mining and Technology and had a Master's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His unwavering determination made him a highly respected hydraulic engineer who worked for Dynex Corp. A few things he helped develop were a paving machine and the launch pad for the Saturn rocket. John invented a hydraulic pump used in mines throughout the world. In one of his quests for scientific solutions to problems was that John volunteered to be operated on in an experiment to treat Parkinson disease. John was a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Ordinance Corps. He proudly served two years in Korea during the Korean War and his expertise was also needed at Aberdeen Proving grounds. John's interests included competitive target shooting on the national level, ice boating, sailing, water skiing and gourmet cooking. John was a gentleman of rare intellect, honor and propriety who has made this world better. His ashes will be placed with his parents in Michigan.