Leo V. Olson

Leo V. Olson, 87, of Westby died Friday, July 15, 2011. Leo Vernon Olson, 87, of Chaseburg passed away Friday, July 15, 2011 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center with his family at his bedside. He was born on April 27, 1924 to Olaf and Ella (Anderson) Olson on the home farm near Portland Wisconsin. Leo attended West Portland grade school and graduated from Cashton High School. As a young man he worked for various farmers in the Westby and Cashton areas. On July 16, 1945 he married Leona E. Olson, daughter of Selmer and Bella Olson. In August of 1945 he went into the Army and spent some time in Germany immediately following WWII. Upon his return home Leo and Leona began farming near Viroqua for about a year. Next they farmed near Cashton for 3 years. Finally Leo and Leona purchased a farm on Rio Avenue just outside of Westby and farmed there for 42 years until Leona passed away. Leo spoke only Norwegian until he entered grade school and to this day could still carry on a conversation in Norwegian. He actually got to go to Norway twice and spoke Norwegian there. Besides being a dairy farmer, Leo also was a bricklayers helper, did custom farm work, volunteered at Gundersen Lutheran and also obtained a CDL license and drove a tour bus. He made many trips to the casino in Marquette, Iowa. After Leonas passing, Leo was so grateful to make his new home on Dave and Darlenes land in Chaseburg and continued to live there until his death. Throughout the years Leo loved to dance to old time polka music. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and motorcycle riding with Leona. It is because of his love of motorcycling that several family members have their own motorcycle and continue to ride. Another of Leos passions was sporty, bright colored cars as well as several luxury cars. He drove many of his convertibles in several of the parades in the area carrying many a queen and princess. Leo also became a good artist in stained glass. Many family members have some of his artwork displayed in their homes. Darlene and Linda will forever cherish his stained glass nativity sets he made for them. He spent many hours in his "little shed" working with stained glass. Leo was a life time member of North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Newry. He was also a member of the Westby Legion Post #155. Leo was preceded in death by his wife Leona, his parents and his brother Clifford Olson. Survivors include his daughters: Darlene (David) Starch, of Chaseburg, Linda (Harold) Wemette, of La Crosse; grandchildren Jon (Carol) Wemette, Troy (Theresa) Starch, Julie (Joe) Kauss, Jim Wemette; and Christine (David) Fox; great-grandchildren Jacob Wemette, Joe Kauss III, Justin Wemette, Jamison Kauss, Jade Wemette, Karly Wemette, Jackson Sullivan, Megan Starch; great-great granddaughter Aliyah Wemette; brother-in-law Floyd Olson; sister-in-law, Evelyn Olson; nephew, Gary Olson; neice La Vonne Block; special friend Louise Scharping; and very special companion, his Boston Terrier Chubby. Now, Dad, you will be able to dance that waltz and polka with mom again. We will miss you but know you are home in heaven as you wished. Leo loved bright, flashy colors so feel free to honor him and wear bright colors if you wish as you say goodbye to him. A very special Thank You to his long time physician Dr. Christine Miller and all the staff at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center who lovingly cared for him. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Vosseteig Funeral Home (708 S. Main) in Westby with Reverend John Stennes-Spidahl officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.