Verna L. Olson, 96 of Chetek passed away Monday, June 27, 2016 at Atrium Post Acute Care of Chetek (Knapp Haven Nursing Home). Verna was born on December 3, 1919 in Barron County to Alfred and Siegfreda (Larson) Anderson.
She went to Chetek High School and played varsity Basketball on the boy’s team while the boys went off to war. After graduation, she, and her sister Margaret moved to New York and became Nanny’s for the well connected.
After returning to Chetek she married Kenneth G. Olson, the love of her life. They made their home on a farm in the town of Sioux Creek where they farmed and raised their family until Kenneth’s untimely death at age 52 from brain cancer. Son James came home from college at River Falls to run the farm which he soon purchased from Verna. Verna then worked in the kitchen at the High school, and took up golf and traveling to occupy her time. Her many hobbies included swimming, cross country skiing, bike riding, golf, knitting, and rosemaling.
Verna is survived by her children, Gerald A. Olson of Cable, WI, Harlen C. (Jeanne) Olson of LaValle, WI, James E. (Gleness) Olson of Chetek, WI and Karen (Sommers) (Art) Acosta of Paris, CA; seven grandchildren, Susan (Don) Manore of Bay City, WI., Brad Olson of Hudson, WI, Julie (Todd) Karkela of Woodbury, Mn, Kara (John) Sullivan of Reedsburg, WI, Ryan (Sarah) Olson of Reedsburg, WI, Justin (Jenny) Olson of Orlando, FL, and Jolene (Mike) Uetz of Barron, WI; and great-grandchildren, Austin Manore, Tanner Manore, Jenna Manore, Jonah Olson, Elizabeth Olson, Mitchell Karkela, Macy Olson, William Olson, Sydney Olson, Carter Olson, Eliza Olson, Taylor Olson, Brandon Nelson, Sam Nelson, Rebecca Nelson, Trinity Uetz, and Harmony Uetz; and several nieces and nephews.
Verna was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth; parents, Alfred and Siegfreda Anderson; one brother, Warren Anderson; and two sisters, Margaret Angotti and Evelyn Marsolek.
Memorial services will be Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Chetek Lutheran Church with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Chetek.
Jim and Family,
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful “Lady” who I am proud to have known such a short five years. I am truly honored to have been on her journey with her at Knapp Haven and a part of her life there. We had many a great conversations and sitting in the kitchen on unit one in the afternoon to look for the third school bus knowing you were driving it. She always enjoyed that time. God Bless you all and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy Rudoll
Activity Aide
Atrium of Chetek (formerly- Knapp Haven Nursing Home)
I just learned of Verna’s death. I will be there for the Memorial Service and buriel. I will let my kids know… I’m very sorry!