Ronald Palmer Olson
Ronald Palmer Olson, 74 currently of LaCrosse, died Tuesday, March 12, 2013. He was born on August 29, 1938 in LaCrosse to Palmer and Esther (Siverhus) Olson. He graduated from Central High School in LaCrosse and then UW-LaCrosse.
Ron was an adventurous (and a crazy man some also thought!) who married Marge Johannsen (from Hudson, WI) who had six children (Bob, Wayne, Adele aka Dolly, Molly, Nels and Victor) ranging from ages 16 years old down to 6 years old.
Ron, Marge, and the kids lived in his beautiful home (that he designed and built) in Houlton, WI, which overlooked Perch Lake. Certain times of the year you could see a huge mist cloud coming off the lake…so beautiful was it that Land ‘O Lakes Butter used it in the ’70’s as a cover on their butter sticks packaging!!
Ron was a Chemist at 3M for over 10 years, then he took the whole entourage up to Hibbing, MN where he worked at Irathane Systems for over 12 years. After the mines started closing down, Ron once again moved the family to Shakopee, MN where he worked for Conklin Co. Inc. until his retirement.
Ron was an avid sports car enthusiast, and really enjoyed driving fast as well….much to the dismay of his wife. He loved to oil paint and work in the yard, making grand garden arrangements that were amazing to look at!!
After Marge’s passing in 1999, Ron married Betty and lived in Chanhassen, MN, until her passing. He was finally able to move back to his boyhood town of La Crosse WI, where he resided at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center.
We know that Ron is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is reunited with his parents Palmer and Esther Olson, as well as so many others who went before him.
We rejoice as we know this is not “Goodbye” but “Until We See You Again”!!
Ron is survived by two sisters: Jean Hage of Coon Valley (children: David, Debra, Richard, and Jon) and Linda Clausen of Cashton; a daughter: Lisa Marie Olson; Step Children, Grand Children and Great Grand Children. Step Daughter: Adele (Husband Dale) Hocking (Grand Daughter April (Husband Joe) Adamson with Great Grand Children Devon and Hailey Passer) (Grand Daughter Stacy Hocking), Step Son: Wayne Ritzer, Step Daughter-In-Law: Tracy (Husband Vince) Cesari (Grand Daughter Melissa Ritzer and Grand Son Clint Ritzer), Step Daughter: Molly Notermann (Grand Son Michael (Wife Christina) Ahola jr.), Step Son: Nels Johannsen, Step Son: Victor Johannsen.
Friends may call on Friday, March 15, 2013 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby.
