Barbara J. Olson

1934 - 2012

Olson, Barbara J.

Barb Olson, 78, of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at her home.

Barb was born on July 2, 1934, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Mancil and Eunice (Lyle) Shipman. She was a 1952 graduate of Bloomer High School, and worked for six months in the office at the Chippewa County Co-op Dairy here her dad worked as Manager of the Powdered Milk Division. From December 1952 to March 1953, Barb attended the Gale Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and following graduation worked at the Santa Fe R.R. Office in Chicago (corner of Jackson and Michigan, across from the Art Museum). She worked with teletype messages from across the country, sometimes taking telegrams to the Palmer House. Following that, she worked for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune in Minneapolis, and then for the Chippewa Motor Freight in Bloomer, prior to her marriage. On February 27, 1954, she married Wesley Olson in Bloomer, Wisconsin. Later, Barb worked for over twenty years at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Wisconsin, part time from 1968 to 1970, as a Claim Approver, and then full time as a Customer Service Representative, from 1974 until her retirement in 1996.

Barb was a member of Grace Communion International where she sang in the church choir. She loved her family dearly. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was happily retired, spending time tracing her family heritage, until she reached King Edward, III of England. Barb also enjoyed music, playing piano, scrapbooking, flower gardening, reading, sewing, knitting, quilting, traveling, and watching the Green Bay Packers. She also volunteered as a driver, taking elderly people to their appointments.

Barb is survived by her husband Wesley; two daughters, Joy (Ken) Cryer of Leesville, LA and Judy (Michael) Offutt of Sheboygan Falls; one son, Steven Olson of Knoxville, TN; eight grandchildren, Nicolle, Jeremy (Amber), Ryan, Shannon, Janelle (Austin), Deanna, Melissa, and Ian; two great-grandchildren, Antonio and McKenzie; one sister, Sandi (Arlan) Gunderson of Chetek; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Bee Nelson.

Funeral services to celebrate Barb's life were held at the Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls. Pastor David Kroll officiated. Interment was in Sheboygan Falls Cemetery.

The family requests that any donations be sent to your favorite charity in Barb's name.

For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com.

The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting Barb's family.