Ardell C. Olson

Ardell C. Olson, age 77, of Westby and formerly of Coon Valley, died Wednesday morning, November 26, 2008. Ardell C. Olson, age 77, of Westby and formerly of Coon Valley, died Wednesday morning, November 26, 2008. He was born on August 8, 1931 in a log house on Lindevig Ridge to Alf and Alida (Lee) Olson. He attended Spring Coulee and Leum Schools, and graduated from Westby High School in 1949. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Army where he served in the Korean War. During the war he was injured and spent time in a hospital in Japan. He married Elaine Stakston on June 11, 1955. In 1961 Ardell and Elaine purchased Olsons Meat Processing in Coon Valley and operated it until the end of 1989 and at one time he had served as president of the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors. He drove school bus for the Westby Area Schools. Ardell was previously of member of Coon Valley Lutheran Church and currently a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Coon Valley American Legion where had been Past Commander; a member of, and Past President of the Coon Valley Lions Club and had received the Melvin Young Award. He was involved with the development of the Bekkum Homestead at Norskedalen and had received the Norskedalen Award in 1994. His many hobbies included: woodworking, antique collecting, refinishing furniture, hunting, fishing, grandkids, travel, genealogy, raising tobacco and trips to the cabin. Ardell is survived by two children: Dawn (Michael) McKibben of New Richmond, WI and Donna (Dale) Pedretti of Westby; five grandchildren: Justin and Brianna Olson of Lakeville, MN, Derek and Vincent Pedretti of Westby, Kyle McKibben of New Richmond, WI; daughter-in-law, Michele of Lakeville, MN; Siblings: Harlan (Joyce) Olson of Westby, Ivan (Gloria) Olson of Westby, Lou Ann (Marvin) Amundson of Janesville, WI and Orland (Maxine) of Durand, WI; sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Maynard Dunnum of Onalaska, WI; many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, David; one grandson, Brett.Funeral services will be held on Monday, December l, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate. Burial with military rites by the Coon Valley American Legion will be in the Skogdalen Cemetery, rural Westby. Friends may call on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street, Hwy. 14 S. in Westby. Friends may also call at the church on Monday after 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. On line condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.comMemorials preferred to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Norskedalen or Bethel Butikk.The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.