Otto Harald Olsen

Otto H. OlsenOtto Harald Olsen, 89, born in Bethlehem, PA, and died December 4, 2014, in Gainesville, FL.A first generation Norwegian-American, Otto grew up in Schenectady, NY and was always proud of his Scandinavian heritage. As a young man he served in the US Merchant Marine, licensed to pilot any ship of any tonnage on any ocean of the world. He served his country bravely in the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean in the Second World War, fighting the tyranny of fascism. He attended Columbia University (BA) and Johns Hopkins University (PhD) and became a Professor of History. Throughout his life he continued his fight against tyranny and injustice by educating the young men and women of new generations. Otto was a renowned historian of the Civil War and Reconstruction. He taught at the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, Morgan State University, and the University of Wisconsin--Madison before accepting a Professorship at Northern Illinois University. He retired from NIU as Professor Emeritus after serving as Chair of the History Department from 1985 to 1991.Otto loved his family, profoundly impacted the lives of his students, and enjoyed life to a degree that most would envy. He was a quintessential activist who worked with determination and joy to leave the world a better place than he found it: writing books, delivering lectures, marching in the streets, talking with neighbors, playing his guitar, and seeking out opportunities to engage with people from all walks of life. Otto was never afraid to challenge authority and speak the truth. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, citizen, and friend. An avid fisherman, Otto loved to fish the waters with family and friends, and relished teaching the young the art of angling. In his last summer he was still wading the streams of Montana for trout, stalking Stripers in the New York Bight, and catching Rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay. Otto is dearly missed by his family, dear friends, and the many people whose lives he touched while making meaningful change in the world. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Corinne Mikkelsen Olsen; his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Olsen and Susan Bockenhauer, of NY; his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Ian Hanigan, of MD; his adoring grandchildren, Amelia and Theodor; and his sister, Elisabeth Jackson of CA. He is predeceased by his sister, Gurd Young; and brother, Earl Olsen. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in memory of Otto to the Audubon Society or to the American Civil Liberties Union.Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361.