Daniel H. Olson

Daniel H. Olson passed away at the age of 83 after suffering a brain stem stroke in late October. He is survived by his wonderful wife, Delphine, daughters Cindi Mursch and Pamela (Kevin) Kilbride. He leaves behind four loving grandchildren: Carson (Hannah) and Carly Mursch; Elise and Claire Kilbride along with extended family & friends. His grandchildren became the light of his life! He was a graduate of the Palestrina Institute of Ecclesiastical Music, Detroit Conservatory of Music, and U of D Jesuit High School. He went on to earn both a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music at Wayne State University where he was also a proud member and past president of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity. As an organist and choir director for over 50 years in the Archdiocese of Detroit, he served at St. Mary’s Rockwood, St. Matthew Detroit, St. Andrew Rochester, and St. Owen Bloomfield Hills. He was founder and director of the Rochester Catholic Chorale, whose mission was to bring quality, choral music of the highest caliber for liturgical celebrations into churches & monasteries of the inner city of Detroit that were without choirs. This spanned over 25 years and reached worshippers in Michigan, Canada, and Italy. The R.C.C. appeared in the “Rosary Murders” movie that was recorded live at Holy Redeemer Church, Detroit,1986. Membership in the original Detroit Catholic Guild of Organists, East-Region Catholic Musicians, and National Pastoral Musicians was important to him. He was a contributing member of the American Guild of Organists. Teaching music in schools was his other passion. He taught part time at Macomb Community College, full time in Warren Consolidated Schools, and the last 23 years of his teaching career was in the Utica Community Schools, primarily Switzer Elementary. He accompanied and directed the UCS Elementary Honors Choir for over 15 years. At 17, he joined the Knights of Columbus Holy Cross Council in Detroit, and later St. Lawrence Council in Utica. He and his wife, along with their daughters, traveled most of the United States on famous road trips that traversed from state capitols to landmarks, state and national parks. A highlight was traveling to Poland to see his grandfather, aunts and uncles, Chopin’s infamous residence and playing the organ for the closing of the Icon in Czechostowa. His music took him to France and Italy and even offered him the opportunity to play on Liszt’s organ. His legacy was imparting the love and appreciation of good music to countless individuals, inspiring young musicians and adults. His knowledge and careful consideration of the liturgy ran parallel to the musical selections that he chose which greatly enhanced the worship experience for those attending. The depth of his kindness, love for his family, his strong faith & uncompromising respect can be found in the lessons he bestowed on his daughters, grandchildren, students, musicians & all those whose lives he touched. Our world will have the deepest void but heaven has gained an angel of many talents. Visitation Sunday, February 4th 2-8pm; Rosary and Scripture Service at 7pm at the Wasik Funeral Home Inc; 49150 Schoenherr Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48315. In state Monday, February 5th 9:30am with Mass at 10am. St. Lawrence Catholic Church 44633 Utica Rd. Utica, MI 48317. In lieu of flowers, donations in Daniel's name should be made to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen https://www.cskdetroit.org or The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries https://Drmm.org

Daniel H. Olson

July 6, 1940 - January 30, 2024