Jeffrey E. Ollswang

Jeffrey E. Ollswang

Died on April 7, 2021 at the age of 80 years. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Pearl (nee Silvers), his brother Paul, his first wife Felicity and infant son Christopher.   He is survived by his wife Lynn (nee Manegold), sons Aaron (Angela) and Joshua, granddaughters Elena and Miriam and brother-in-law Gilbert Manegold.  He is further survived by many dear friends, colleagues and students.

Jeff had an active professional and academic life.  He was a Professor Emeritus of Architecture, educating and advising students at UW-Milwaukee for 40 years where he was beloved by both faculty and students.  He taught at the University of Arizona and the University of Oregon before his long tenure at UW-M.

Jeff was known for his expertise in acoustics and lighting and would often be called upon to provide architectural consultations.  He also was president and CEO of his own company, Design Competition Services; where he coordinated design competition processes for others, ensuring the selection process was professional and fair. He was the Midwest representative for the NEA. He also partnered with Lawrence Witzling – the two were design competition advisors for the Astronauts Memorial, The World Trade Center Memorial and as well as many other competitions.  He was a published author, most notably of “Simplified Design for Building Sound Control” which he co-authored with James Ambrose.

Always interested in how things work, he was fascinated with watches.  He joined the NAWCC in 1975 where he made many good friends over the years.  

Jeff had a love for music and a great sense of humor.  While at the University in AZ, he formed a band with some faculty and students called “Doc Ollswang’s Traveling Snake Oil and Tractor Repair Company.”  Jeff grew up in Manhattan, New York where he joined “Your Father’s Mustache” a performing music club where he sang and played the banjo.  Through the years, he performed with the group at many venues, most notably on Ed Sullivan and Johnny Carson and at the White House and Carnegie Hall.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date when we can all safely gather together and celebrate the life of this extraordinary man.

Jeff’s heart was in his love of the environment, his love of music, art and design, of watches, but most importantly it was the love of family and friends that he held closest to his heart.
If you would like to make a donation in Jeff’s memory, please do so to your favorite health charity, environmental organization or music charity – that would make him happy.

Jeff’s family thanks everyone for all the love and laughter that was shared with Jeff over the years.