Mary Helen Olson, age 78, of River Falls, WI passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the River Falls Area Hospital in River Falls, WI. Mary, the youngest of seven children, was born on February 9, 1938 in River Falls to George and Agnes (Ray) McKahan.
Mary remained a lifelong resident of River Falls. She was a 1956 graduate of River Falls High School where she had been active in GAA, TNT, intramural basketball and the school play. On January 27, 1961 Mary was united in marriage to Wayne P. Olson in River Falls. After completing employment in the Twin Cities, she worked various positions in the River Falls Community while being a phenomenal homemaker. She was especially passionate about the many jobs she held that dealt with serving the youth of the community.
Mary’s many interests included, traveling, camping, cooking, reading, crocheting and crafts. Time spent with her grandchildren was the highlight of many of her days.
Mary is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Susan; her parents; siblings and their spouses, Corrine, Melvin (Virginia), Ray (Betty), Doris, Robert; niece, Jean (McKahan) Getzie; mother-in-law, Joyce Olson; brother-in-law, Gerald Olson.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Wayne; daughter, Cherie Johnson (fiancé, JoD Hakes) of River Falls; granddaughters, Kya (Brian) Warren of Blackhawk, CO, Jordan Johnson of River Falls; sister, Donna (James) Killian; sister-in-law, Joyce McKahan; brothers-in-law, Terry (LoVaida) Olson, Gene (Evy) Olson, Roy Spear; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 18th at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in River Falls with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, River Falls.
In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 200 S. Executive Drive, Suite 203, Brookfield, WI, 53005.
Cashman-Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Service of River Falls, WI is assisting the family.