Richard Edward Olsen, 75, of Gibson City, passed away at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 12, 2011, at Gibson City Area Hospital, Gibson City, Ill.

No services will be held at this time.

Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. Olsen was born May 25, 1935, in Chicago.

He is survived by a daughter, Jessica L. Olsen, and a son, Richard E. Olsen, Jr., both of Gibson City; a brother, Daniel Olsen of Great Lakes, Ill., and a sister Nancilee Restivo, of California.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Condolences to the family may be offered online at www.HeathandVaughn.com.

Condolences

Dear family of Richard Olsen,

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I know this condolence is late, but I was just informed of his death. You don’t know me but for years I knew this man as Uncle Ric. He was married to my father’s sister for many years. Their marriage was a troubled one, but I was unaware of that because I was so young. I have only pleasant memories of this man with the booming laugh. They lived near us in Illinois, California and Texas. He was always kind and sweet to me and I can still hear his strong voice and loud, loud, deep, laugh! Hearing him laugh at a Jerry Lewis movie was as much fun as the movie itself. He spent many hours at our house playing pinochle and I can still hear him shout ‘two fitty’! It is so sad to hear that he is gone.

My father died in 1973 so in 1976 Uncle Ric traveled to Texas to take my father’s place in my wedding. Sadly that was the last time I saw or heard from him. He and my aunt divorced sometime after that.

Your father was a special man and he will be missed.

Pam Robinson Slaughter