CATARACT - Roger Olson, 90, is finally in peace, and welcomed home by all his loved ones that left before him. Roger passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Morrow Memorial Home Bridgepath with his faithful companion, Pam Baker and son, Mike by his side.
Roger was born on Fish Creek Ridge on June 5, 1932 to Emil and Myrtle (Hagen) Olson. Roger grew up on a farm and that is where his love for the land all started. He was one of four children, all of whom welcomed him home. Elroy, Alf and Verna along with his parents are a family once again.
In 1952, Roger joined the Army and served two years. While enlisted, he spent time in Okinawa, Japan. Following this stint, he returned home and met his future bride, Betty Winscher. Together they raised four boys, Jeff, Greg, Mike and Danny. They were later divorced.
Roger was employed a majority of his life in various State of Wisconsin jobs. He started at the Wisconsin Childcare Center in Sparta, while also working part-time at the Sparta Co-op. Following the closure of the Childcare Center, he relocated and worked at the Taycheedah Correctional Institution in Fond du Lac. He then returned to Cataract, and retired from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. After retirement, his favorite job was working at the town of Little Falls “Dump”, where many treasures, also known as junk, were brought back to his home. He worked seasonal jobs at Habelman’s Cranberry Marsh for many years.
Roger was a proud member of the Cataract Sportsmen’s Club for close to 70 years. He served the club in a variety of ways, serving in officer roles, on the board of directors, working at their annual Field Days event, and maintaining the grounds. He was also a member of the Melrose American Legion Post 439 and Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cataract. He also enjoyed collecting Farmall Tractors.
Roger is survived by his sons, Jeff (Carol), Greg, Mike (Donna), and Danny (Kristy). He is further survived by his grandchildren, Casey (Aleatra) Olson, Sydney (Jeremy) Ernst, Shannon Olson (Eric Mahan), Heidi (Daryl) Blount, Cory Olson, Danica (Cody) Wheeler, Josh (Blair) Olson and Samantha Olson and a very special friend, Pam Baker. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his mother, father, and all of his siblings.
Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Joel Nuemann officiating. Burial with full military honors, provided by the VFW 2112 of Sparta, will be in Cataract Cemetery. After the burial, a celebration of life will be held at the Cataract Sportsmen’s Club. All are welcome. Memorials may be given to the Cataract Sportsmen’s Club.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
