Marian I. Olson

Madison -- Marian I. Olson, age 88, died on Friday, March 13, 2009 at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. She was born on April 23, 1920 to Russell and Hazel (Bishop) Holzer in Warren, Wisconsin. Marian graduated from the former Stout Institute with a degree in home economics in 1941. She taught in Chetek and Mineral Point. In 1948 she began teaching at the Wisconsin School for Girls and eventually became a vocational teacher at Oakhill Correctional Institution. During this time she also earned her masters degree in Home Economics from the UW Madison. Marian was honored in 1998 for her 50 year teaching career with the State. Marian loved to teach and changed many lives through teaching. Marian married Louis S. Olson on June 11, 1947 and moved to Madison. Marian and Lou were married almost 35 years and were very happy. They loved to go out for dinner and spent many happy evenings at Smoky's, the Cuba Club, the Simon House, the Hoffman House and Rennie's, often enjoying the Friday night fish fry.  Marian enjoyed making new friends, especially younger people. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing, playing the piano and singing. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Dorcas Circle. Marian is survived by her daughter, Linda Olson (Craig Hungerford); and a sister Naomi Wahlquist and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She is preceded in death by her husband; and a brother, Irving Holzer. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A funeral service will be held on the same day, Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, with Rev. G. Keith Schroerlucke presiding. Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials suggested to the United Methodist Children's Services of Wisconsin and Porchlight. The family wishes to thank Karen Theilig, Abby DeLong, Laura Meitner and the many other friends who helped Marian achieve her dream of remaining in her own home. Thanks also to the physicians and staff of Wisconsin Heart, Dr. John Ewalt, the Meriter Home Health nurses and staff and the HospiceCare staff for the respect and loving care they gave to Marian.