Edward Olsen Sr.

His favorite days were at the track. Since 1972 you’d find Ed in the same seat on the top row at Bridgeport Raceway; and you’d be smart to stay out of his spot. “Ready yet? Ready yet?” he’d ask with excitement before heading over. Over the years he was on a few pit crews, and he recently got the thrill of watching his great-granddaughter race. And he visited more than his fair share of tracks around the country (Daytona, Dover, Syracuse.) Probably the culmination of a lifetime of being a car guy; he loved Mustangs from the days of his youth and he could turn a wrench with the best of them. He retired as a truck driver from Stella Contracting.He met a pretty girl named Madelyn at Clementon Park. They’d share a 58-year marriage blessed by three children, Edward (Anna), Mike (Loditta) and Lynn (Dave) McAlister; 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. He was the brother of Robert (Maureen), Kay Rumford, Richard Merkle (Sylvia), Harry (Darlene) Merkle and Elsie Foley. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward H. Olsen and Helen E. Merkle and a brother, Joseph Merkle.  Come celebrate 79 great years Monday 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday 11 a.m. to noon at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro where there will be a noon service. Interment Locustwood Cemetery, Cherry Hill.