Shirley A. Olson

Shirley A. Olson, 80, of Westby, went home to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully on January 2, 2024, surrounded by her family. Her devotion to her family and her firm faith in God defined her character.

Shirley was born to Ivar and Thelma (Stalsberg) Rognstad in Westby, WI, on May 22, 1943. On October 6th, 1962, she married the love of her life, Roger Olson. Together they celebrated 59 years of marriage and raised 4 children: Mark, Bruce, Jeffrey, and Angela.

Shirley’s greatest joy in life was being a wife and mother.  She also spent many years providing daycare in her home for other families.  She loved attending her grandchildren’s many activities.  Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.  Her other enjoyments in life included cooking, playing Rook with relatives, shopping with her daughter and especially having family gatherings.  Shirley attended Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby.  She was a faithful prayer warrior and her fervent zeal for the Lord was an inspiration to many.  She loved to spend time with her church family and she faithfully attended up until the time of her passing.

Shirley is survived by her children Mark (Greta) Olson, Bruce (Kerri) Olson, Jeffrey (Willow) Olson, and Angela (David) Roethel; 13 grandchildren, Brock Olson, Melaney (Neal) Corby and Lydia Olson, Tyler, Zachary (Olivia) and Chelsea Olson, Rebekah (Nick) Lind, Chenoa (Matt) Wyman, Chloe Cox, and Gabrielle Cox, Joseph, Bethany and Benjamin Roethel; and one great-grandchild Benaiah Lind.  She is further survived by her siblings Betty MacFarland, Mary (Curt) Moe and Lester (Vicki) Rognstad.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; her parents; her brother, Odell Rognstad; and sisters, Elaine Boyles and Louise Yant.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024, at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby. A visitation will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. Friday at the church. Pastor Paul Tjelta will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.

Thank you to Bethel Oaks and to St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful, loving care in her final months.