Herbert Edward Olson Jr.

Herbert Edward Olson, 70, passed away January 14, 2016 at the VA Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He fought a courageous battle this past year with subdural hematomas and meningitis. He was born July 30, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Herb and Kirsten (Haakonsen) Olson. He grew up in Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Herb attended private schools at Englewood School, Englewood NJ and Proctor Academy, Andover, NH. He graduated in 1963 from Ramsey High School, Ramsey NH. After 2 years at Rider University, Trenton, NJ. Herb enlisted in US Army with basic training at Ft. Dix, NJ followed by jump school at Ft. Benning, GA and then assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY. He then went to Ft. McClellan, AL and became the youngest Drill Instructor at that time. Herb proudly served his country which included a tour in Vietnam ’67-68. After his tour and achieving the rank of SGT/E-5, he left the service to continue his education at Rider.
Herb married Maren Anderson at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Manchester, NH January 24, 1970. They would have celebrated 46 years together.

He then started several endeavors centered on being self-employed. Upon moving to New Castle, IN in 1978, Herb started an ICC trucking company with 48 state authority, Castle Leasing Inc. and its divisions Castle Cartage, Castle Machine Shop, Castle Carriers, Inc.

Herb was a life member of VFW, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Murat Shriners, NRA, AMA and NHRA.

His passions were drag racing and flying. Herb followed in his mother and father’s footsteps, earning a pilot license that included multi-engine. He owned several planes over the years and took the family on trips in his beloved Beechcraft Baron. Herb was well traveled and loved to ski in Vail, CO. With his love of speed and machines, he rode his “Busa” trike cross country, LA to DC, 4 times. Herb had a wicked sense of humor, was stubborn, generous, deeply talented, innovative and driven. He left a lasting impression, good or bad, on everyone he met and was greatly admired.
Herb is survived by his wife Maren Olson; two sons, Herb Olson III and Leif Olson; two granddaughters Bailey and Erika Olson, all of New Castle; cousins and many great friends.

A memorial service with military honors will follow the church service at Cadiz Christian Church, Sunday, January 24, 2016, at 12:30 p.m. Godspeed Herb! Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Condolences and memories of Herb may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .