Dean William Olsen

Dean William Olsen died peacefully on Saturday November 19, 2022 in home care under the loving guidance of his chosen Madison WI family following his courageous struggle with cancer. He was born on June 20, 1959 and raised in Evanston IL, the son of predeceased Lynne M. (née Messersmith) and Donald E. Olsen.
From his early days performing musical theater at Evanston High School and his membership as a tenor in the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, Dean nurtured his lifelong love of music through his enthusiasm for choral music and opera and as a devoted fan to a multitude of diva vocalists.
Dean was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin in 1982 with a BA in Economic Geography. In 1991, he earned his MBA in Marketing Strategy/Advertising from University of Michigan. In 2015, Dean was awarded a UW Graduate Certificate in GIS/Cartography. While at UW, Dean founded and developed LifeMapping, an interactive virtual cartography tool for chronicling one's personal life journey. At the time of his death, Dean continued his work with LifeMapping and was a UW-Madison Police Department Security Officer. Along his way, Dean worked at various marketing, advertising and other agencies in Chicago, New York and London.
Dean delighted many friends with his charm and wit through his insatiable appetite for social repartee. Since 2010, Dean was a fierce advocate for sobriety, giving his unyielding support to many Madisonians who shared in his life's illness. He was a man of great integrity who endeavored always to lead in life with humility, acceptance, kindness, gratitude and service. Dean's many friends mourn his passing deeply and will remember him with an enduring smile.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 4th, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave, in Madison at 11:00. Beginning at 10:00 folks will gather at the church to socialize, exchange memories and look at photos. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. All of his friends are invited to attend.

If you are unable to attend in person, the service will also be available for viewing on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/oIaTtV5Cfxc. Please share your memories of Dean by posting on his Tribute Wall at www.InformedChoiceFunerals.com, where you can also find his full obituary. Dean was a great supporter of Alano Society. Please explore its website and make a memorial contribution if you wish at https://www.511alanoclub.org/. Thank you.

Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives
3325 E. Washington Avenue, Madison
(608) 249-6758