Craig Stanley Olsen

It is with great sadness that, after a short illness, we announce the passing of Craig Stanley Olsen on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Craig was surrounded by the people he loved and held dearest in his heart. Born June 27, 1951, to Stanley (Stan) and Audrey (Aud) Olsen in Chicago, Illinois, Craig lived most of his life in his beloved Tallahassee, Florida. He left the Chicago area in 1968 when his family moved to St. Pete Beach, where he completed his senior year of high school and junior college. He then moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University. There he met the love of his life, Brenda Pitts Olsen. After almost 18 years of marriage, Craig and Brenda were blessed with their one and only child, Bonnie Olsen. Bonnie was the apple of Craig’s eye and the day she was born was the proudest and happiest day of his life. He chose to give up his career to become a house dad and care for Bonnie throughout her early years. Although growing up in the Chicago area, Craig quickly fell in love with many southern traditions and the slower lifestyle. He loved to fish, hunt quail, and do special projects around the house with his father-in-law, James, and the southern cooking of his mother-in-law, Adele, especially fried quail and okra. He loved the infamous Tallahassee trees and went out of his way to save as many as possible when he built their home. Craig was a diehard Seminole fan in addition to his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears. Craig’s essence embodied his Viking heritage. Throughout his successful battle with stage 4 cancer, his mantra was “Viking Strong.” Unfortunately, he transitioned one day before his five-year survival anniversary. He was fearless, independent, opinionated, stubborn, and ready to fight to the death to protect those he loved. A big personality, he researched every topic imaginable and could fluently discuss almost anything brought up in conversation. His charisma would fill any room he entered. A gentle and kind side made sure he thanked all those who cared for him when they started to leave the room and apologized if he felt he had caused too much work. We would like to express our gratitude to the TMH medical professionals who cared for Craig at the end, especially Shelly, the ICU nurses, and the doctors who worked so hard to save him. Craig was predeceased by his mother, father and sister, Bonnie, and father-in-law, James Pitts. Leaving behind to cherish his memory and celebrate his life are his wife, Brenda; daughter, Bonnie (Ian Lindsay); brother, Keith Olsen (Carol); sister, Donna House (Alan and Ryan); mother-in-law, Adele Pitts; brother-in-law, Larry Pitts (Dianne); niece, Jennifer Olsen Brooks (Daniel, Daniel Jay, and Emma); nephew, Brian Olsen (Megan and Hunter); nephew, Jason Pitts (Natalie, Megan, and Mallory); and niece, Jennifer Pitts Verbeck (Kaley). A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials donations may be made to the FSU Foundation or a favorite charity. “Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ And the warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm!’” Rest in peace, our brave and noble warrior! The family is being assisted by Jackie Fulford and James Sircy of Young Fulford Funeral Home and Crematory, Tallahassee, Florida. (850.610.4444/YoungFulford.com)

Craig Stanley Olsen

June 27, 1951 - October 29, 2022