Leonard R. Olson

Leonard R. Olson, 74, of Coon Valley died Wednesday October 3, 2012 at Bethany Riverside Care Center in La Crosse surrounded by his family. He was born March 14, 1938 to Adolph and Ida (Nelson) Olson. Leonard was baptized and confirmed at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. He graduated from Westby High School in 1956. Leonard proudly served in the U.S. Marines from 1956 to 1958. He married Beatrice Bohland in Retreat on April 16, 1960. The couple farmed at rural Coon Valley and Leonard was also a milk hauler in the area for over 30 years.

He was a member of the Coon Valley Lions and the Coon Valley Lutheran Church where he had previously served as president of the church council. Leonard loved visiting, airplanes and air shows and his farm animals - especially cats. We will never forget his unmistakable laugh and smile.

Survivors include his wife Beatrice; 6 children Evelyn (Roger) Myhre, Virginia "Gigi" Johnson, Ronald (Kari) Olson, Katherine (David) Manske, Elaine Dinger and Jeff (Ashley) Olson; 17 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren, 3 brothers Arthur (Beverly), David (Sue) and Scott (Betsy) Olson; 2 sisters Marjorie (Doug) Bendel and Audrey (John) Guinn; many nieces nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Monday October 8, 2012 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate with military honors by the Coon Valley American Legion Post #116. Friends may call on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until service time.
A special thank you to the staff at Gundersen Lutheran, Norseland Nursing Home and Bethany Riverside for their compassionate care.