Leonard Richard Olson

The Southwest Michigan Wine Trail has lost a giant today with news of the untimely passing of Leonard Olson, 73, owner and operator of Baroda Founders Wine Cellar. Olson died unexpectedly the evening of December 2, 2014.  The rest of the industry, family and friends are in shock over the sudden loss of a man who earned the right to use the word Founder in his corporate name. Len was a Chicago native, born July 10, 1941 to Gunnar Olaf and Ruth Margret (Denst) Olson.  He is survived by his daughters; Julie Olson and Elizabeth Olson of Chicago, sons; Gunnar (Liz) Olson of St. Joseph and Edward (Ruthie) Olson of Chicago, Illinois; three Grandchildren; Dylan & Kierston Olson of St. Joseph and Connor Olson of Chicago, Illinois, Brother Thomas Olson of Chicago, and girlfriend Maryanne Martin.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Olson and his parents. Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday, December 8, 2014 at St. Cajetan Church, 2445 West 112th Street, Chicago, IL with Father Frank officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Chapel, 8747 US 31, Berrien Springs.  An additional wake will be taking place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Avenue, Blue Island, IL.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Olson Family. Those wishing to share a memory of Leonard online may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com. Len lived life to the fullest at every turn, and was the center of the party always.  He attended St. Brides Grammar School & Mt. Caramel High School and was recently inducted into their Ring of Fire Hall of Fame for his high school football career. He went on to the University of Illinois – Champaign on a football scholarship. He loved the white sox, fishing with friends, spending time in Zyhuatanejo, Mexico and most of all his grandchildren. He was a self-educated winemaker who consulted with not only the most experienced, but the best winemakers in the world, including the late Karl Werner and Helmut Becker, two of Germany’s most renowned winemakers. Len himself enjoyed a long history in the wine industry. His experience in Michigan’s Great Southwest dates back to the late 1960s when he and a partner planted the first commercial European vines (French Vinerfiria Grapes) in Michigan. They went on to plant 27 grape varieties, which included Aurora, Vidal Blanc, Baco Noir, Marechal Foch, DeChaunac, Chamborcin, Cascade, Chardonnay, Seyval, Vignoles and Johannesburg Riesling. Mr. Olson obtained the first new Michigan winery license since prohibition and opened Tabor Hill in 1972. As winemaker at Tabor Hill, the winery won several awards and medals and was served in the White House under Gerald Ford’s presidency. Len left Tabor Hill in 1982 and pursued other opportunities in the beverage industry, including beer-making in northern Indiana and winemaking in Kentucky, where he was recognized as one of the founding members of the Kentucky Grape & Wine Council. Several years ago, Len returned to his roots in Michigan’s Great Southwest and launched his popular Baroda Founders Wine Cellar in downtown Baroda. He later added a Baroda Founders Tasting Room on State Street in downtown St. Joseph. Len was proud to post his philosophy in his business place stating, “The Baroda Founders Family feels we are fortunate to make a product that our customers enjoy at their most precious moments. To that end, we strive to produce wines that reflect the best of the grapes harvested in each God-given growing season. The pleasure of wine and your satisfaction at our winery or in your home gives meaning to our life. Drink in Health.” Len was a true Wine Master, and fortunately over the past several years he has imparted a great deal of the knowledge to his son, Gunnar, who joined the business after owning and operating The Establishment in Benton Harbor for a number of years. Len’s skills among the vines are legendary, and as a major fine wine founder in both Michigan and Kentucky, his passing will leave a substantial void in the marketplace. He always treated everyone with great respect while exhibiting a major aura of pride for the wines he produced and the work his family accomplished. He was the consummate marketer, always working to share the good news of not only his own products and property but the entire industry and the Wine Trail. Clearly his skills achieved lofty levels as his myriad medals, awards and honors profoundly display. Godspeed, Len Olson…and to Julie, Beth, Gunnar and Ed…our thoughts and prayers come your way.       Originally appeared in Moody on the Market on December 3, 2014