John Gary Olson

John Gary Olson, 81, of La Crosse, died Sunday April 22, 2018 at Bethany Riverside in La Crosse.   Gary was born in Viroqua, Wisconsin on July 9th, 1936 to Adolf and Violet (Ostrander) Olson.  Gary grew up and attended school in Viroqua and later moved to La Crosse.  He married Marjorie Meir on May 25th, 1957.  He worked in retail sales for many years at Montgomery Ward in La Crosse.  Gary enjoyed pigeon racing, fishing, crossword puzzles, and woodworking.  He especially enjoyed building furniture for family members.  Gary was a member of the La Crosse United Flyers Pigeon Club for over 25 years.  He served as race secretary and also won the 1000 Mile Topeka Southwest Classic Pigeon Race.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Bethany Riverside and Dr. Mary Bassing for their special care.

Survivors include his wife Marjorie Olson, four sons: Tim (Sherry) Olson, Dave (Ann) Olson, Greg and Ben Olson and one daughter Carie Olson.  He is also survived by six grandchildren: Chelsie and Courtney Kraus, Kelsie, Evan, Wyatt, and Madelyn Olson.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Adolf and Violet Olson and his siblings: Geraldine Haun, Neola Olson, Verlaine Harris, Evelyn Romanshek, and Eldredge and Howard Olson.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday April 26, 2018 at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley with a visitation from 11:30 a.m. until time of service.  Rev. Ted Dewald will officiate with burial in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park.  Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.