Beverly Jean Olson, 92, of Cashton, Wis., passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, at Crestview Nursing Home in New Lisbon, Wis. She was born July 21, 1932, to James and Ethel (Short) Downing, outside of Ontario in Vernon County.
After graduation from high school, she and Arnold LeRoy Olson were married Dec. 21, 1950. Bev was a wonderful mom who stayed home raising their five children. She had many hobbies that she enjoyed doing: gardening, canning/freezing, quilting, crocheting, baking, jigsaw puzzles, reading and best of all was spending time with her family and friends.
Bev is survived by her children, Neil (Diane) Olson of Milford, Ind., James (Esta) Olson of Wilton, Wis., Rick (Lorri) Olson of Westby, Wis., Karen Baumgarten, of Tomah, Wis., and Janice (Brian) Gillingham of Norwalk, Wis.; her sisters-in-law, Rita Downing of Janesville, Wis., Mary Downing of Cashton, Wis., Betty Downing of Illinois, Mary Gollmar of New Lisbon and Abigail Downing of Illinois; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold, in 2008; her parents; her siblings, Alan Downing, Jim Downing, William Downing, Eva (Raymond) Thomas, Lloyd Downing, Marie (Alan) Hartman, and Whalen (Ruth) Downing; a granddaughter, Dawn Olson; and a son-in-law, Don Baumgarten.
Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Brush Creek Lutheran Church, rural Cashton, Wis. Pastor Patrick Ziems will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, Jan. 10, from 4–7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation also will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
