Thelma E. Olson

Thelma E. Olson, 85, of Coon Valley left the embrace of her loving family for the open arms of her Savior on Monday evening November 29, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. She was born January 7, 1925 in Coon Valley to Thomas E. and Clara (Bakkestuen) Odegaarden. Thelma was baptized on February 22, 1925 by Rev. O.J. Hylland and confirmed her faith on June 4, 1939 in Norwegian by Rev. H.O. Bach at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. She attended school in Coon Valley through the 10th grade and graduated from Westby High School in 1942. She then graduated from Vernon County Normal School in 1944. Thelma taught at Onward, Linrud and Brown country schools and later at Prairie View School in DeSoto. On August 23, 1952 she married Harlan Olson at Coon Valley Lutheran Church by Rev. Louis Mastad. The couple lived in Westby for several years before moving to Coon Valley where they raised 4 children.

Thelma loved Coon Valley and spent her life actively involved in the community. She was a life long member of the Coon Valley Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir for many years, was active in the Ladies Aid and Sunday School, was a member of the Ruth and Esther Circles and sang at many weddings and funerals. She was a member of the Homemakers and sang at many community events. She was also a volunteer at Norskedalen and received the Norskedalen Award for her many years of service. Thelma was a happy, content and selfless person who enjoyed life and always put others first.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Harlan; 4 children, Kathryn (Charles) Sexauer of Las Vegas, Nevada, Robert Olson of Coon Valley, Nancy Olson of Coon Valley and Thomas (Sharon) Olson of Newark, Ohio; 5 grandchildren, Alex and Eddie Gonzalez, Josiah, Hannah and Rebekah Olson and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday December 3, 2010 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be given to the Coon Valley Lutheran Church or Norskedalen. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com.

Thelma will be remembered fondly and sadly missed.