Joyce A. Olson

Joyce A. Olson, age 76, of Westby died on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. Joyce A. Olson, age 76, of Westby died on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born in Milton Junction, Wisconsin on April 13, 1935 to Roy and Marie (Smith) Borgen. Joyce went to school in Westby and was a graduate of Westby High School. On September 26, 1954 she was united in marriage to Harlan Olson. They owned and operated a dairy and tobacco farm until their retirement in 1991. There are many good memories from growing up here. Joyce was a member of Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church and an active member of the WELCA and Lydia Circle. She worked for many years planning and preparing lunches for weddings, funerals, and special events. She also served on the Church Council for many years and was past president of WELCA. Joyce and Harlan hosted two foreign exchange students, Erik 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. Joyce also enjoyed visiting family and friends, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Joyce is survived by her loving husband of over 57 years, Harlan; her mother Marie; her children Jennifer Johnson, Jerrold (Debra) Olson, Annette (David) Christianson, and Thomas (Susan) Olson; grandchildren Tessa Johnson, Dr. Neil Olson (Joanna Conkel), Jennifer (Kurt) Vale, Anna (David) Pond, Kjell Olson, Kyrsten Olson, Sgt Lee Christianson, Cpl Eric (Tina) Christianson, Alexander Olson, Kristina Olson; great-grandchildren Madison Christianson, Alanna Olson, Samantha Pond and Jaren Vale; sisters-in-law LouAnn (Marvin) Amundson, Elaine Olson; brothers-in-law Ivan (Gloria) Olson and Orland (Maxine) Olson; and friend Brian Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father Roy; brother Arne Borgen; brother-in-law Ardell Olson; and mother and father-in-law Alf and Alida Olson. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street (Hwy. 14 S.) in Westby and on Saturday at the church from 4:30 p.m. until time of service at 5:00 p.m. In Lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Joyces name for a project yet to be determined. The family would like to send a heartfelt Thank You to the staff of the Gundersen Lutheran CCU for the compassion and care they gave Joyce and her family. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.