Harlan T. Olson

Harlan T. Olson, 83, of Westby died Friday, June 7, 2013. Harlan T Olson, 83 of Westby died on Friday June 7, 2013 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse surrounded by his loving family. Harlan was born in Vernon County, WI on March 16, 1930 to Alf and Alida (Lee) Olson. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He married Joyce Borgen in 1954. They owned and operated a dairy and tobacco farm until their retirement in 1991. There were many good memories from growing up there. He drove a School bus for Westby School District for 43 years. Harlan was a member of Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Westby American Legion, Westby VFW, and Westby Lions. Harlan and Joyce hosted two foreign exchange students: Eirik from Norway and Alexander from Holland. After their retirement, they took their dream trip to Europe and visited the boys. They also took several other trips within the United States. He was an avid Euchre player and enjoyed his Tuesday afternoon card club. Harlan is survived by four children Jennifer Johnson of La Crosse, Jerrold (Debra) Olson of Eau Claire, Annette (David) Christianson of La Crosse, Thomas (Susan) Olson of Shorewood, IL. 10 grandchildren: Tessa Johnson of La Crosse, Dr. Neil (Joanna) Olson of Duluth, MN, Jennifer (Kurt) Vale of Stoughton, Anna (Dave) Pond of Rice Lake, Kyrsten Olson of Richland Center and Kjell Olson of Eau Claire, Lee (Bryana) Christianson of Murietta, CA, and Erik (Tina) Christianson of Murietta, CA, Kristina and Alexander Olson of Shorewood, Il. Six great grandchildren: Madison Christianson of Onalaska, Alanna and Samantha Pond of Rice Lake, Jaren and Daxton Vale of Stoughton, Leo Olson of Duluth, MN. One sister LouAnn (Marvin) Amundson of Janesville, two brothers Ivan (Gloria) Olson of Westby, Orland (Maxine) Olson of River Falls, Sister-in-law Elaine Olson of Westby. Brian Johnson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife in 2011, his parents, and his brother Ardell. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday June 12, 2013 at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastors Dennis Hallemeier and Julie Wohlman will officiate, with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Vossetiegs Funeral Home at 708 South Main St. (Hwy 14 S) Westby and prior to the service on Wednesday. The family would like to send a heartfelt thank-you to the staff of the Gundersen Health Systems Critical Care and Hospice Units for the compassion and care they gave Harlan. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made directed to the family for a memorial in Harlans name. Online condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.