Margaret Olson

Madison - Margaret E. "Peggy" Olson, age 57, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at her home surrounded by loving family and friends after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She was born on July 30, 1955 in Racine, Wis. to James R. and Mary Jane (Schelling) Olson. She met her adoring husband, John Folts, in church and they were married on August 18, 1990. She was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church. She devoted many hours to the church's social outreach programs and loved singing in the church choir. She had a lifelong love of movies, especially comedies. She also loved getting together with family and friends, singing (especially Irish Folk songs), water parks, reading, and most importantly, caring for those less capable or less fortunate than she. She and her husband John, devoted many hours to various volunteer activities that helped those in need in our community. Her kindness and gentle spirit touched many people and will be sorely missed. Peggy grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. She graduated from Racine J.I. Case High School in 1973. She was always an outstanding student and went on to obtain a Bachelors degree from Valparaiso University in 1977, a JD degree from the University of Wisconsin Law school in 1983, and a Masters of Science Degree from the UW Business School (Real Estate Program) in 1986. She worked at CUNA Mutual Insurance Corporation for 26 years. Survivors include her husband John Folts; her brothers John (Irene) of Madison, and Mark (Barbara) of Dayton, Ohio; nephews Jakob and Andrew; niece Paula; and two cats, Whitey and Blacky. Her parents preceded her in death. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2012. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. A church luncheon will follow the service. Peg would have preferred that in lieu of flowers, donations made to Bethel Lutheran Church's food pantry or Homeless Outreach Programs.