Gladys E. Olson

Gladys E. Olson, age 90, died on March 2, 2011, at UW Hospital after a respiratory illness. She lived most of her life in Madison, graduating from East High School and went on to complete secretarial training at Groves-Barnhart School. She worked as a secretary for the Wisconsin Conservation Department, for the U.S. Department of the Army, while her husband was stationed in Oregon, and for many years helped manage the COOLson Refrigeration business while at home raising five children. Gladys was married to her high school sweetheart, Calvin Olson, for 62 years. Family meant everything to Gladys and she devoted her life to guiding and encouraging her ""5 little gems."" Her unconditional love extended to many, including her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The East High School yearbook graduation by-line rang true throughout her life...""Quiet and thoughtful, but always full of fun."" Her lively spirit was evident as she played popular tunes on the piano, got silly with the kids and danced to the Big Bands. She was a grateful person and consistently had a positive outlook. Each day she found joy in nature and in the simple pleasures of watching the antics of backyard wildlife and observing every detail of a floral bouquet. Throughout life she stayed sharp and curious, reading the newspaper and doing the crossword puzzle daily. She was proud  of her Norwegian heritage and loved to share it with family.   Surviving are her five children; Morgan Olson, Marilyn (Jack) Talbot, Howard Olson, Nancy (Craig Gehrke) Olson and Kathleen (Pat) Slane; 9 grandchildren, Jeff Talbot, Mike (Stacey) Talbot, Dave Talbot, Steve (Christina) Talbot, Kevin Slane,  Anna Slane, Nolan Slane, Alice Gehrke and Bill Gehrke; and two great grandchildren, Aubrey and Morgan Talbot; two brothers, Gil Hamre, Clarence (Lucille) Hamre and sister-in-law, Luella Hamre.   She was preceded in death by her parents, Gustav and Anna (Gronley) Hamre, husband, Calvin Olson, a brother, Stanley Hamre and a sister-in-law, Bette Hamre. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, from 11 AM to noon, followed by a service and a reception at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org), 26 Broadway, 14th floor, NY, NY 1004 or to Olbrich Botanical Society (www.olbrich.org), 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI   53704. Mom, we love you and will always hold you in our hearts...""and if you listen with your heart, you will hear all my love around you, soft and clear"".