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Celebrating the life of

Douglas Walter Olen

February 05, 1939 - June 19, 2025

Douglas Walter Olen

 Dr. Douglas W. Olen Sr. of Savannah, GA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family June 19th, 2025.

Born to Walter and Sylvia Olen on February 5th, 1939, in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Doug was a graduate of Marquette University High School (’57) in Milwaukee. He went on to attend Marquette University ('61) and received his medical degree in 1967 from Marquette University School of Medicine. Doug was a well-respected and dedicated practicing radiologist at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee from 1973 until his retirement in 2001. Lifelong residents of the Milwaukee area, Doug and his wife Kathleen were thrilled to relocate to The Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah, Georgia and loved sitting on their deck watching the sun set over the water.

A lifelong learner, Doug was always open to experiences. He travelled the world with his wife Kathleen and grandchildren, loved golf, painting, yoga, the arts, all kinds of music, especially the symphony, and exploring his spirituality. Doug was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing his latest book. He loved meeting new people and was quick to call someone a friend even if they’d just met. A man of faith, Doug was a member of The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah. Doug’s and his family’s Jesuit education was a source of pride and inspiration. He was proud to serve as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force.

Doug loved his family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Kathleen A. (Zierden) Olen, his children Kristen Robinson (Gary), Gretchen Funck (Bob), Doug Olen Jr. (Melissa) and Heidi Olen. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren whom he adored, Maraika Robinson (Tal Cohen) and Elliot Robinson, Sophie and Eleanor Funck, Mia, Beck, and Kai Olen and Finn Olen McNamara. He is also survived by his siblings Dale Olen (Joelyn), Eileen Olen and Mary Olen, his brother-in-law Peter Zierden, sister-in-law Charlene Zierden and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Sylvia Olen.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025  at Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the visitation at 10:00 a.m.

A Memorial Service will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Douglas W. Olen to Marquette University High School, 3401 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Minnesota Chapter, 100 N. 6th St. #604a, Minneapolis, MN 55403 

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Doug was such a light. His energy was infectious and his presence filled every room. Doug was a strong support and community member for the sound baths at the clearing house in savannah where we met. He held deep conversations on the meditative mind with me following our sound journeys, and I will never forget Doug. May he shine outside of his body now. Kindly, Jacilyn

- Jacilyn Ledford, Tybee Island, GA

Doug was a kind and generous soul. I met him via a professional relationship almost fifty years ago, and he and Kathy became true friends. My condolences to Kathy and the rest the Olen family. May our Lord and Savior comfort all who will miss him.

- Tom Jepsen, Downers Grove, IL

Doug will surely be missed by anyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. When first meeting Doug and his wife Kathy you instantly knew they were genuinely kind and warm people. My wife Debra and I have many fond memories being whith them in the Bahamas.

- Tommy and Debra Daniel, Vista, California

Doug was a wonderful man and neighbor. He was always willing to get my mail when I was on one of my many trips. He will be missed but never forgotten. When he and Kathy recently moved, I asked him if I could have his "spiritual garden lady" to put in my backyard under my majestic live oak trees.

- Christine Savage, Savannah, GA

We are deeply saddened for your loss. May the wonderful memories of him forever fill your hearts, and his inspiration lead everyone to always keep learning and loving. His greatest legacy is the family that carries on, and who we have the great gift of knowing.

- Parry Family, Prospect Heights, Illinois

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200