Elsie Olson, age 93, of 217 Dakota Avenue, Gladstone, died Friday morning March 30, 2007 following a brief illness at the Christian Park Village in Escanaba where she was a patient for one day.
Elsie was born October 20, 1913 in Ensign, MI the daughter of August and Sanna (West) Anderson who were Swedish immigrants. She was raised in Ensign where she also attended school. As a young teenager, Elsie worked for the Howard Sigan family in Gladstone caring for the six Sigan children after the death of their mother.
Elsie was united in marriage to Lloyd Olson on April 16, 1933 in Gladstone where they made their residence and raised their 6 children. She was a den mother for many years for Cub Scouts. Elsie was a loving caregiver her whole life. She worked at the Oja Nursing Home, Christian Park Health Care Center, and in her later years, provided care to many elderly in their homes.
Elsie was a member of the Gladstone Senior Center and First Lutheran Church in Gladstone where she was involved in the Grace Circle.
She loved dancing and playing cards especially Bridge, 500, Sheepshead, and Pinochle. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church Dart Ball league for many years.
Elsie was known for her wonderful cooking and cheerful smile. She was happiest when her house was full of family and friends. Her family fondly remembers her Swedish rye bread and Swedish caramel rolls. She will be lovingly missed.
Survivors include: 4 sons: Armand Olson of Gladstone, Richard Olson of Gladstone, Robert Olson of Stonington, Kenneth Olson of Milwaukee, WI
2 daughters: Lenore (Richard) Hanson of Rapid River, Helen (Richard) Tousignant of Gladstone
2 brothers: Roy Anderson of Huron, OH, Walter Anderson of Gladstone
4 sisters: Gladys Maahs of Hartford, WI, Bertha (Sidney) Nechy of Milwaukee, WI, Elenore Loocke of Culver City, CA, Anna Mae Anderson of Kipling, MI
13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by:
Husband: Lloyd in 1976
Grandaughter, Debbie Gustafson, daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Olson, 3 brothers, John, Bob, and Albin Anderson, 2 sisters, Sadie Cartwright and Ruth Martin.
Elsie
Anonymous
Hi Richard and all of your family, I read your mom’s obit in the press and I wanted to pass on my sympathy to you. Linda Lamberg Erickson class of 61
Linda Lamberg- Erickson
Bark River, MI
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Aunt Elsie was always such a warm and kindred spirit. She was never one to put herself first and never wanted anyone to go out of there way for her. I don’t think she ever realized what a tribute she was to many of us and how much we all looked up to her as someone we would like to be like, which made her even more special. I will miss her and remember her fondly, but also know she was ready to go and is now busy playing cards with our other family members that have gone before us.
Darlene and Cliff Jensen and Family
Escanaba, MI
Aunt Elsie will truly be missed. I remember when I was younger going blueberry picking with her and the only thing that got me through a day of filling pots and kettles with blueberries, was knowing I was going to get to eat an amazing blueberry cake or pie. Aunt Elsie was always so positive and optimistic about life and I loved hearing stories about Grandma Anderson and growing up in Ensign. Even though I now live miles away from the U.P., I love sharing stories with my husband and daughter about my times spent in the U.P. and Aunt Elsie is always a central figure in those stories. Love you, Auntie Elsie!
Judy Vodhanel
Irvine, CA
Aunt Elsie will be missed by all who new her. I know we will miss our visits everytime we went to the U.P.
The Nechy Family – Matt, Heidi, and Emma, Sid and Bertha
West Allis, WI
As a Nephew, despite not having been in Gladstone for many years, I recall my Aunt Elsie as a very warm, caring, compassionate Aunt who on every occasion would always be welcoming with a BIG smile and hug. She truly squeezed the best out of every day and ended each day smiling. She will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
David Maahs
Brighton, MI
My memories of Elsie go way back to warm and cozy chats at her kitchen table in Gladstone. I remember celebrating my 16th birthday with a homemade birthday cake at Elsies home. She was a wonderful person with a beautiful soul and I’m happy I had the chance to know her. She lived her life as she left us: with grace and style. Her laughter and good nature will not be forgotten; nor will she.
Donna Maahs
West Bend, WI
My Aunt Elsie was an inspiration to everyone she knew. Elsie always had a great story to tell and was full of life. Elsie never complained about the hardships of growing up. She always spoke of the love that was shared by her family and the good times they had inspite of how poor they were. Elsie was a true gift from God and I’ll always love her friendly smile, kind words, and loving ways. I will miss her.
Chris Dallmann
West Allis, WI
My Grandmother has now gone to her final resting place. I know the last days for her were painful and she just wanted to go meet her maker. Now she has done that and I am grateful to have had her in my life for all these years. She has been a very big inspiration to me. She always had a smile on her face and a great sense of humor that just stole your heart the minute you met her.
I remember all the times we went to her house for parties, holidays, or to help her clean. She always had a hot meal on the table and her gratitude for you helping her was very much appreciated. She appreciated each and every one of us grandkids and she always had her arms open for a big hug and her home open for a place to stay and visit and she sure made you feel special every time you saw her.
My children enjoyed her even though she was in her later years by the time they were born. We all loved her very much and she loved us just the same. She will be dearly missed by all of us and I will always cherish each and every moment I had with her because their aren’t many Grandmothers like her and I feel like I had one of the best in the world. I love you Grandma and I wish you all the best in heaven playing cards, picking blueberries, or making someone a hot meal. That is what I remember about her the most is her constant generosity. God sure picked a Rose out of a whole thorn bush the day he took her!
My condolences to the whole family and friends of Elsie Olson the best Grandmother anyone could ever have. May she rest in peace and I will see her one of these years when it is my turn.
Love all of you.
Pam, Nick, Jennifer Mathias
21800 West MacGregor Drive
New Berlin, WI 53146
Greetings to all my family! I share in your pain of loss and celebrate Aunt Elsie’s wish, as she told me Tuesday, in the hospital that she did not want to be a burden for anyone nor did she want to have to stay in a nursing home, she wished and we prayed that the Good Lord would take her home, she was ready, she said; “To see my Ma, Debbie, MaryJane, and the rest”! So I am celebrating the wonderful life that made up my Auntie, I loved her so much! I am so glad she was a big part of my life, I enjoyed every moment we spent together! I prayed with her each visit at the hospital! I love you all, Sharon
Sharon Breitenbach
Perkins, MI