Roger Edwin Olson

Obituary for Roger E. Olson Roger E. Olson, DVM, 75, of Frederick, died Saturday, January 8, 2011, after an extended illness. He was the husband of Barbara L. Olson. Born March 19, 1935, in Racine, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late Edwin and Elsie Olson.

Dr. Olson attended Marquette University and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. He came to Frederick in 1960 as an associate veterinarian to Dr. Harold Schaden. Later, he opened a successful practice of his own which included a partnership with Dr. James E. McClellan, with particular emphasis on large animals.

In 1994, he joined the Maryland Department of Agricultures Animal Health division and eventually rose to the top of the division. He served as the Maryland Chief of Animal Health/ State Veterinarian from April of 1994 until his retirement in June of 2002. He was a highly respected authority and sought-after speaker on topics of animal testing and disease control. He remained active following his state retirement as a consultant to Thomas Morris Associates.

During his career and retirement, he served as President and Director of the Maryland Veterinary Foundation, President of the Western Maryland Veterinary Medical Association, and President of the Northeastern U. S. Animal Health Association. He was also a member of the Frederick County Farm Bureau, Maryland Ag Commission, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Frederick County Fish and Game Protective Association, and numerous other foundations, boards, and scholarship funds.

Dr. Olson was predeceased by a son, David Lee Olson, and a sister, Maxine Olson Swanson Ludwiczak. He is survived by three sons, Kenton R. Olson of Hagerstown, Chris E. Olson of Frederick, Eric L. Olson and his wife Dawn of Keymar; and daughter Laurie Hollinger of Lansing, MI; eight grandchildren, Jacob D. Olson, Daniel B. Olson, Maegan E. Olson, Britton G. Olson, Ben A. Olson, Shawna Bevier, Caitlyn Kuechelhan, and David Griffin; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. The funeral service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at the funeral home. The Rev. Dr. Robert Driver-Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church will preside. Interment will follow.

Online condolences may be shared at keeneybasford.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following organizations: Frederick County Fish and Game Protective Association With check payable to the Community Foundation of Frederick County 312 East Church Street Frederick, MD 21701 Please note Frederick County Conservation Fund in the checks memo line. or Maryland Veterinary Association Foundation 8015 Corporate Drive, Suite A Baltimore, MD 21236