Reuben A. Olson, 75, of Ironwood, died peacefully Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at home, surrounded by hi s loving wife and family, following a lengthy illness.      He was born Sept. 12, 1936 and raised in Glidden, Wis., son of the late Reuben and Ellen (Flood) Olson. He then served in the U.S. military during peacetime conditions.      Following military service, Reuben resided in Ashland, Wis., moving to Hurley, Wis. in 1980 and Ironwood in 1989. He was employed as a route carrier/delivery driver for the Superior Evening Telegram, Ashland Daily Press and the Daily Globe of Ironwood, as well as in other various occupations in the area over the years.      Reuben was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood. He enjoyed coffee klatching with his friends at Mike's Restaurant and Ben's Place, and was a big Green Bay Packer fan. He especially enjoyed his favorite cat, Brat Boy.      On July 9, 1978, he married the former Kathleen M. Straetz at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashland.      Surviving are his wife, Kathleen, of 34 years; nine children, Paul (Carol), Fifield, Wis., Reuben "Radar", Ironwood, Tom (Debbie), Mercer, Wis., Pat (Jean), Ironwood, Rodney (Cathy), Montreal, Wis., Joanne, Ironwood, Michael (Lisa), Ironwood, Bruce, Ionia, Mich., and Scott, Ashland; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a brother, Andrew (Sharon), Chetek, Wis.; sisters-in-law, Marlene (Tim Ebacher) Hobart, Junction City, Wis., and Esther Olson, Milwaukee; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.      Besides his parents, Reuben was preceded in death by a grandson, Thomas Wayne Mathis; and brother, Harold.      Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.      Memorial services will be held Tuesday, May 8, at 2 p.m., preceded by visitation at 1 p.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with Trinity Lutheran parish assistant Larry Oehlerking officiating.      A flag presentation ceremony, accorded by representatives of the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard, will follow.      Reuben's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.