Oct. 6, 1924 - Aug. 5, 2008SOUTH BEND - Dr. Donald T. Olson, 83, passed away peacefully on August 5 in the loving arms of his children, after an extended illness. Dr. Olson, son of the late Oswald and Jennie Olson, was born on October 6, 1924, at Memorial (Epworth) Hospital in South Bend. He graduated from Central High School in 1942 and started working for NIPSCO as a meter reader. He was drafted into the Navy in 1943 and was sent to San Diego for training as a Pharmacist's Mate. In 1944, he entered Union College in Schenectady, New York, as part of the V-12 program, based on his superior performance on a Navy-administered academic exam. He loved his college days. He was a cheerleader, president of the student body, and received the Frank Bailey Award for the "senior who had contributed the most to Union College." In 1946, he enrolled in Albany Medical School in New York. It was in Albany that he met an attractive young nurse by the name of Elinor Jane Guhring. They were married July 29, 1950, after his graduation. The couple returned to South Bend, where Dr. Olson completed his internship at Memorial Hospital. He then spent 21 months as Captain, Medical Corps, United States Air Force, in Texas, fulfilling his military obligation. He did his residency in Long Beach, California from 1953 to 1955, and at University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis from 1955 - 1957. Dr. Olson and his wife returned to South Bend once again to set up his medical practice and raise a family. He practiced internal medicine for 10 years before becoming a cardiology specialist in 1967. He established the first Coronary Care Unit at Memorial Hospital in 1968, and recruited another cardiologist to come to Memorial to set up the first cardiac cathiterigation lab, and begin treadmill testing. He was awarded a fellowship in the American College of Cardiology in 1977. Dr. Olson was a past president of the Association of Indiana Directors of Medical Education, the St. Joseph County Heart Association and the United Health Foundation of St. Joseph County. He was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. He loved spending time with his family, watching the Cubs, and playing tennis, along with doing several crossword puzzles daily (in ink!). Dr. Olson was a man of even temper and calm voice, who never failed to find the rose among the thorns, regardless of the situation. His wisdom was of the sages, and his patience, infinite. He has touched so many people in so many wonderful ways. He was truly a gift from God. Dr. Olson was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Elinor; his sister, Margaret Snyder; his son-in-law, Joseph Stante; and his infant grandson, Michael Garrett Olson; two brothers, Glen (Mary Kay) Olson of St. Paul Minnesota, and Eugene (Cathryn) Olson of Granger. He is survived by his two brothers, Glen (Mary Kay) Olson of St. Paul Minnesota, Eugene (Cathryn) Olson of Granger; as well as his four children, Caron Stante of South Bend, Jean Olson of Chicago, Jon (Marlene) Olson of Jupiter, Florida, and Lori (Edward) Nettels of Valparaiso. Also surviving are his 17 adored grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the entire staff of 7 South at Memorial Hospital as well as so many others at Memorial for their never ending compassion and outstanding care throughout his hospitalization. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 W. William St. Services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 51900 Mayflower Road (at the corner of Brick). Contributions in Dr. Olson's name may be made to the Donald T. Olson Medical Education Fund of Memorial Hospital at Memorial Hospital, 615 N. Michigan Ave. South Bend Indiana, Attn: Dept. of Medical Education, to Trinity School at Greenlawn, or to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. E-mail condolences may be sent to welshfh@yahoo.com.