Shirley Rae Olson

Shirley Rae (Lee) Olson, age 88, passed away peacefully at home with family in Spring Green, WI, on December 31, 2025, with dementia. Born on April 2, 1937, in Lorain County, Ohio, Shirley was the eldest of four children to Robert Lee and Doris (Jackson) Lee. She married Cornelius Olson on January 1, 1956, and together they raised nine children. They emphasized independence and the pursuit of knowledge.
After most of her children were grown, Shirley pursued higher education at The University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, earning her early childhood/special education degree Summa Cum Laude in just three years at the age of 50. She continued her academic journey by completing a master's degree and specializing in Autism. Shirley also owned and operated The Stage Stop furniture and gift store with her family, where she worked until her early 80s.
She is survived by her nine children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her sister Debbie (Lee) Clements, brother Larry Lee, and brother-in-law Allen Olson. Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband Cornelius, her sister Linda (Lee) Riffle, sisters-in-law Harriet (Olson) Long and Sonja (Bredesen) Olson, and brothers-in-law Rick Clements and Alvin Long.
Shirley cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always finding joy in family. A family gathering to celebrate her life will be held this spring in Medford, WI, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.