Harlan 'Sonny' Eugene Olson

Harlan “Sonny” Eugene Olson, resident of Livermore, died Nov. 2. He was 75.

Olson was born on Aug. 12, 1942 in Onawa, Iowa. He grew up in a small farming community of Soldier, Iowa. At 17, he moved to Livermore, California and gained employment with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). He married his high school sweetheart and classmate since first grade, Lynnette on Oct. 14, 1961. At 24, Olson joined the Army National Guard and served for five years. In 1972, Harlan and his wife decided to move their family of two girls to Soldier, Iowa to establish a farm. They farmed for 13 years, raised cattle and hogs and grew corn, oats and soybeans. During the 1980s farm crisis, they decided to move the family back to Livermore in 1986. Olson was able to resume employment with LLNL as a metallography technician and retired in 2007 after working for LLNL for more than 33 years.         

Olson’s passion has always been his family, farming and Iowa.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 56 years, Lynnette; their two daughters, Lana (Jack) and Stefanie (Rick); grandchildren, Samantha, Kortni and Mand and two sisters, Joyce and Karen.  

Evening viewing is Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5-7 p.m. at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Ave., Livermore.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 10, at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1020 Mocho St., Livermore. 94550.Viewing begins at 9 a.m. with the service at 10 a.m. A reception will follow.