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Walter J. Olsen

  Walter J. Olsen, 93, born Sept. 25, 1918, in Chicago, Ill; passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 27, in Sonoma.

  He was a veteran of World War II in the United States Navy, where he served in the Pacific. He was a chauffeur for Admiral Halsey. He spent most of his life living and working in Chicago and moved to Sonoma in May 2010.

  He is survived by his loving family, sons, Gerald and Richard; and daughter, Maryl; daughters-in-law, Susan and Suzanne; and grandchildren, Sean and Carmela. Walter loved music and loved to go dancing with his wife, Eleanor. His love of music encouraged both of his sons to become musicians. One of his favorite songs was “Smile.”

He will always be in our hearts. We will miss his dry sense of humor and his lively conversations.