Donald Robert Oleson, 90, of Derry, NH died peacefully on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA after a brief illness. Donald was born in Berlin, NH on July 8, 1929 to Ruth and Maurice Oleson. Donald was raised in Berlin and graduated from Berlin High School in 1947.
Donald graduated from UNH with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then entered the Air Force and attended ten months of training at Electronic Countermeasures School in Biloxi, Mississippi. Upon discharge from the Air Force in April of 1962, Donald retuned to UNH and earned a second degree in Electrical Engineering.
On November 23, 1955 Donald married Betty Reid from Gorham, NH. After living in NY for four years, they moved to Derry. Donald was employed by Raytheon Company in Andover, MA and Bedford, MA for 32 years. While working at Raytheon, Donald earned a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
In the Fall of 1972, Donald and Betty purchased a plot of land on an island on Lake Winnipesaukee. They built a camp on the island and enjoyed many years of retirement with family friends on the lake. Donald had a deep appreciation and respect for nature and spend many hours watching the wildlife and beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee. Also during retirement, Donald and Betty developed a passion for genealogy which led them on adventures to Norway, Wisconsin and Utah. Donald also followed politics and enjoyed energized political discourse.
Donald is predeceased by his wife Betty. They were married for 59 years. Donald had two daughters, Mindy (Oleson) Puopolo and her husband David of Oak Park, CA and Karen Oleson of Derry. In addition, Donald had two grandchildren, Michael Puopolo of Oak Park, CA and Lauren Puopolo and her fiancé Nick Wheaton of Williamsburg, VA.
At the family’s request, there are no services scheduled at this time. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium are assisting the family with arrangements.