Marilyn May Olson

Marilyn May (Mansfield) Olson was born on May 10, 1932 to Wilhemina (Young) and Frank Mansfield in Blue Island, IL. The family remained in Blue Island through her 8th grade year, when her parents found a post-war-era opportunity to own and operate "Frank's Bar and Pool" and bowling alley in Peshtigo, WI.
The youngest of four children, Marilyn said good-bye to her two sisters (Jean and Shirley), but her brother Frank (Bud) also joined his parents as they made the transition. She often recalled, the first summer in Peshtigo felt long and lonely until she began to meet her new high school classmates. Marilyn was loyal; and many of the first people to extend the hand of friendship remained dear to her for the rest of their lives.
Soon after graduating Peshtigo High School, Marilyn married another "new-comer" Wallace (Wally) Olson. She joined her husband and in-laws in their homestead's original cabin. They were married for 29 years and had eight children together.
Marilyn spoke of a "steep learning curve" on many aspects of her new rural life. In addition to working side-by-side to build their family, farm, and orchard, they were also building their unique "modern"
concrete farmhouse. Marilyn had good teachers, and was also remarkably well self-taught. Speaking from experience, she would quip, "If you can read, you can cook." And she recommended applying that
principal to many tasks.
Upon moving into the larger farmhouse, both the farm and Marilyn's cooking often became the center of massive holiday gatherings that included many facets of extended family and friends. Family was important to her, and in order to see them, she also punctuated rural home life with city visits.
Often, an outing would include an evening of bowling. Marilyn proclaimed she was a terrible bowler. She was an excellent scorekeeper, and encourage all her children to enjoy the sport regardless of their varying degrees of talent. She also seized opportunities to share tours of libraries, museums and historic
sites with her children. Whenever possible, everyone returned home with a book – for Marilyn it was usually a cook book or a historical romance novel.
Out of both ethic and need, Marilyn worked in the home, farm and intermittently, one or two additional jobs simultaneously. Eventually, the strain of juggling farm life, a home perpetually under construction,
and multiple jobs took a toll. When their marriage ended, Marilyn chose to leave the farm and return to living in the City of Peshtigo. She continued to raise her youngest children while working most notably
for Milwaukee Glove Company during the week, and occasional weekends at the local Citgo Gas Station.
Loyal and romantic, Marilyn also chose not to pursue marriage again. She did pursue other interests in her retirement. While she claimed she "wasn't a joiner" she did emphasize it was important to take her
turn to engage with the community. She volunteered for her high school class reunion group, two Lutheran churches, a local chapter of the Red Hats, and was a frequent Museum Guide with the Peshtigo
Historical Society for many years. When she felt these roles had run their course, she continued to indulge in romance novels, and spend time reading bedtime stories with grandchildren near and far
when ever possible.
Marilyn turned the page of her book, and began her epilogue on April 10, 2024.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents (Wilhemina (Minnie) and Frank Mansfield); her eldest sister Jean (Ben) Mansfield Wilson; her brother Frank (Marion) Mansfield; three infant children (William,
Nicklaus, and Jean Olson), and one grandchild (Kasidhe Olson).
She is survived by her sister Shirley (Jim) Wilson; five children, Christine Olson (Lloyd) Vogds; Deanna Diercks (Dennis) Kjos; Wallace (Nancy Tornow) Olson Jr; Frank Olson; Rebecca Olson (Steven) Haak; nine grandchildren, eleven greatgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews across the country.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Marilyn's wonderful neighbors and caregivers that allowed her to remain in her home for as long as possible. In particular, to Pam who regularly went above and beyond for her.
Gratitude is also shared with the staff of Rennes East and Unity Hospice.
In honor of Marilyn's love of history, please consider a contribution to the Peshtigo Historical Society.
Visitation will be held at Berth & Rosenthal Funeral Home 10:00 AM to Noon on Saturday, April 20, 2024 with service to immediately follow.