John Hardman Olsen

October 1, 1926 - September 28, 2018
John Hardman Olsen

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John Hardman Olsen, age 91 of Wilmington passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday September 28, 2018.

He was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on October 1, 1926. His parents were Johnnes Edgar August Olsen and Margaret Alice Hardman Olsen.

John was a life long resident of Wilmington. He graduated from New Hanover High School and proudly served in WW II in the US Navy. Early in his life, he operated a dairy farm and tobacco farm in New Hanover County that is now the location of Olsen Park. In the 1960’s John harvested stumps with dynamite for the Hercules Power Company. He loaded them on rail car to be processed in Brunswick Georgia for turpentine, an important historical industry in NC. John owned and operated Cedrics Fish & Chips and the first Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Shop in Wilmington. He later operated numerous shops on the old Carolina Beach Boardwalk. He was a true hard working entrepreneur and was a member of the greatest generation.

John is survived by his wife Lou Poole Olsen; two daughters, Joan Turner Olsen and Patricia Ann Britt; two brothers Harold August Olsen and Ralph Edgar Olsen; one sister Margaret Alice Olsen, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Was preceded in death by a daughter Doris Marie Olsen.

A Memorial Gathering will be 1 to 5 pm Thursday October 4, 2018 at the home of John’s grandson Gerald Waite 5200 Holt Road Wilmington, NC 28409.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099


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  • September 30, 2018
    Mary Ann Olsen says:
    John welcomed me into the family with open arms and remained a loyal friend to the end. He always had a smile and a foxy twinkle in his eyes as if he knew something you didn't.