(Audubon, Iowa) – The family of a sailor who died in the attacks on Pearl Harbor, says his remains will be arriving in Omaha, Tuesday, and then transported to Audubon in preparation for his funeral service that takes place Saturday, Sept. 25th. The remains of Eli Olsen will leave Offutt Air Force Base at around 9-a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21st, and should arrive at Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, by around 10:30-a.m. His family invites the public to line the highways and interstate overpasses to welcome him home.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Eli Olsen, of Exira. KIA Dec. 7, 1941 on the USS Oklahoma.

Eli was a 23-year old Navy Petty Officer onboard the USS Oklahoma, when it sank during the bombing of the Hawaiian island naval base. He served as a storekeeper on the vessel.

Funeral services for Eli Olsen will take place Saturday, September 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Exira Lutheran Church, which burial in the Exira Cemetery. The family invites everyone to the Exira American Legion Park for a luncheon following the committal service. There will be some seating available, but everyone is encouraged to bring their own chairs.