Obituary for Marian A. Olson

Marian Olson, 87, passed away at her home on September 19, 2024. She was born May 11, 1937 in Holland Township, La Crosse County, at the home of her parents, Alfred and Edna (Farnum) Aspeslet. She was the fifth of six children, a welcomed only-sister for first-born Lila. Together, the family strove to maintain and improve their second-generation farm. Marian’s early education took place in rural, one-room schoolhouses. While attending Holmen High School, she helped care for her two young nieces and worked at an A & W rootbeer stand. Marian graduated in 1955 and married Harold Olson in November of that year. The newlyweds bought a home in Rockland, where they welcomed two daughters, Dana in 1959 and Dawn in 1964.

Marian developed many skills including sewing, baking, painting, ceramics, wallpapering, upholstering, and cutting hair. She was eager to tackle just about any project. Marian routinely sewed not only for herself and her daughters, but for her friends and her daughters’ friends; and for her nieces and her nieces’ friends. Word of her expertise and minimal compensation spread quickly. She created school clothes, prom dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, doll dresses, stuffed animals, quillows, baptismal gowns, jackets and much more, for family, friends, and pleased clients who became her friends. And there were oh so many alterations she would gladly do, but really didn’t enjoy.

Marian also worked at a laundromat, as a Bangor School District bus aide, and as a home hospice worker. Her aging mother, who was blind and wheelchair-bound, lived with Marian’s family from 1969 until her passing in 1982. Marian tirelessly cared for many, including her husband Harold as he struggled with cancer, and later for both Lila and Dick. Neighbors, friends and distant relatives were blessed by Marian’s presence, meals, cleaning and love during their times of greatest need.

Among Marian’s favorite adventures was an Alaskan hunting trip in 1971 with Harold, Lila and Dick. She enjoyed two motorhome trips to the Carolinas, visited Disney World with her family, toured New York City, traveled to Texas with her brother Bill, and cruised to both South America and Alaska.

Marian was probably best known for always having hot coffee and treats awaiting any visitor. Delicious cookies and doughnuts were readily available. Her pies, angel food cake and raised donuts were special delights. But Marian will always be remembered for those Norwegian favorites - rosettes, krumkake, pizzelles, and lefse. In 2018, she and her brother Tim made 127 dozen lefse, most to be sold at charitable events.

Reading, conversing with family and friends, and her cherished cats brought great joy to Marian throughout her years. She was many things to many people, but all would agree that Marian was infinitely caring, creative and kind, the sweetest and spiciest lady you would ever meet. She will be missed.

Marian is survived by her daughters - Dana (Curt) Wuensch and Dawn Holub of Rockland; grandchildren - Marshall (Renee) Wuensch of West Salem, Shelby (partner Mike) Holub of Onalaska, Kylie Holub of La Crosse; great grandchildren - Riley, Ariel, and Addison Wuensch; brother, Tillman (friend Nancy) of Stoddard; “almost daughters” - Ann, Gwen, and Mary; and many loving nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; son-in-law, Frank Holub; sister and brother-in-law, Lila and Dick Anderson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Janice Aspeslet, Norm and Irene Aspeslet, and Clifton and Lois Aspeslet; and sister-in-law Alice Aspeslet.

A Christian Victory Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 27, 2024 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 401 16th Avenue N, in Bangor. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and lunch will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sunshine on the Trail (Bangor’s Cancer Support Group) or Glaucoma Research Foundation. A private burial will be held in the Rockland Cemetery at a later date.

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