Joanne Patricia Olson

Joanne Patricia Olson, age 81, of Viroqua, Wisconsin, passed away on June 6, 2022, with her family by her side. She had courageously battled various cancers over the years all while actively enjoying family, friends, and her community activities. Joanne was born in Middleton, Wisconsin on June 12, 1940, to William and Eleanor Zurfluh (Shimek). Joanne and her younger sister, Marcia, grew up playing at homes on Mifflin Street, Madison and Pheasant Branch, Middleton. She graduated from St Bernards High School (1958) and went on to get her LPN and work at the Badger Prairie Health Center. She was married to Richard Olson from 1959 – 1980, and raised five children. At the age of 40 years, she embraced the college experience and graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). She continued her gift of helping others as an RN in Bremerton, WA. Joanne made an impact on every community she resided; from sipping coffee with the Winnemac moms and raising kids in Westmorland, to volunteering in the Bremerton schools, and finally joining the Viroqua community through her work with the Literary Club, Historical Museum, and Norskedalen Nature Center. At every stop, she made life-long friends. Joanne’s independent spirit and love for the outdoors was evident from childhood to her last days. She was active in Girl Scouts and went on to become a leader, instilling the importance of service and respect of nature in her children and grandchildren. We are now a four-generation Girl Scout family. Joanne’s regard for the outdoors and nature was inspired by John Muir, Rachel Carson, and Aldo Leopold. She could always be found in the backwoods of Wisconsin or Washington exploring the wildflowers, birds, and fungi usually with a dog, grandchild, or friend by her side. Her passions also included hockey, traveling, and reading. She could be found talking hockey with her boys and watching her grandchildren race around on the ice. She lived her bucket-lists and traveled the western states and Europe. Her last book read was the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. Joanne is survived by her children: Julie (Leo) Wasserburger , Jeff (Judy) Olson, Cheri (Kyle) Kreitzmann, and Jim (Tammy) Olson; sister, Marcia Daly; nephew, David Daly; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by William Zurfluh (father); Eleanor Zurfluh (mother); Greg Olson (son); Todd Daly (nephew); Dorthy Olson (mother-in-law); and Olaf Olson (father-in-law). The Olson family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all of mom’s friends, family, and colleagues who supported her drive for independence, adventure, and life-long learning. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sidie Hollow Park Shelter in Viroqua, WI on Saturday, June 11th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vernon County Historical Museum or Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center. “When you walk in the morning, hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds circling flight. I am the soft starlight night. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.” Expert from Hopi Prayer Vosseteig Larson Funeral Home and Crematory in Viroqua is serving Joanne's family. 123 W. Decker Street Viroqua, WI 54665 (608) 637-2100