Jean Olson

Obituary of Jean Grace Olson

Jean Grace Olson, 86, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 12th at Four Winds Manor in Verona. Jean was born in Sparta on September 11, 1931, the daughter of the late Clifford and Grace (Harr) Ruedy. Jean graduated from the LaCrosse State Teachers College (UW-Lacrosse) in 1953. Her first teaching position was as an elementary school teacher in South Milwaukee. She married George Eugene Olson, also of Sparta, on June 17, 1955, after George returned from the Korean conflict. He preceded her in death on June 5, 2011. They started their life together in Madison, where Jean continued her career as a teacher at Dudgeon and Emerson Elementary. In 1964, George and Jean moved to Fort Atkinson, built a home, and raised three children. Jean taught 4th grade for the Fort schools, teaching at Hoard and Purdy Elementary, and later becoming a substitute teacher. She was considered a "favorite" teacher by many kids in Fort Atkinson. Later in life, she worked part time at the Fireside Gift Shop and Ace Hardware. She was also active in the community as a volunteer for the Girl Scouts, 4-H, the Methodist Church and with George's agricultural associations. Jean was a loving and devoted caregiver to George during his long struggle with Alzheimer's. She showed courageous strength and grit battling two separate brain tumor operations in her lifetime. She never complained, she never gave up and she always smiled. Among her many interests and hobbies were cooking for friends and family, playing golf, playing cards, and following Wisconsin sports. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, visiting with family across the state, and spending winters in Matlacha, Florida. Surviving are her three children, Eric Olson (Monica McFarland) of Windsor, Carrie (Bob) Lowery of Janesville, and Jason (Marsha) Olson of Verona and her four grandchildren Josh Lowery, Mallory Olson, Connor Olson and Anna Olson. She is also survived by her brother Lawrence (Carol) Ruedy; brothers-in law Robert (Joanne) Olson, Morris (Edwina) Olson, and Earl Tichenor; sister-in-law and life-long friend Marilyn Ruedy of Madison. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, their children and other relatives and friends. Jean was preceded in death by her twin brother Dean Ruedy; her brother Francis "Bud" Ruedy, and George's siblings Bill (Abby) Olson and Marge Tichenor. Family and friends will be received on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 10 am until 11:30am at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Olson, please visit Tribute Store

Visitation

OCT 20. 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Nitardy Funeral Homes - Fort Atkinson 1008 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI, US, 53538 info@nitardyfuneralhome.com http://www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Share Your Memory of
Jean