LAVONA OLSON

LaVona M. Olson, age 85, of Neenah, entered into her heavenly home on Monday, March 29, 2010. She was born May 16, 1924 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, daughter of the late George and Ella (Vonde Linde) Waters. The family moved to Neenah, Wisconsin during the depression. She graduated from Neenah High School class of 1942. In September 2004, she moved into Briarwood Cottages in Menasha; and her apartment happened to be right next door to her best friend Marcie Knoedler. She made many friends there and loved the community breakfasts, luncheons, and especially the card parties. She was an active member of St. Margaret Marys Catholic Church of Neenah. LaVona married the love of her life Gerald Olson on January 19, 1943. They were married for 48 years at the time of his passing. The marriage was blessed with four children: Beverley (Tim) Langford, Hilbert, WI, Nancy Olson Hillmer, Manitowoc, WI, Catherine (Charles) Schafer, Ottawa, IL, and Michael (Karen) Olson, Stevens Point, WI. LaVona and Gerald also fostered 3 children. She is survived by all of her children; her sister and brother-in-law, Rella and Nick Barrile of Arlington, WA; a sister-in-law, Jean Waters of Menasha; and many nieces and nephews. She is further survived by 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren: Walter (Anne) Seelow and their son Zachary, RuthAnn (Michael) Ross and their son Lucas, Cynthia (Robert) McLaughlin and their children: Shane and Riley, Michael (Maria) Hillmer and their children: Brittney, Max and Jake, Melissa Hillmer, Crystal (Jason) Edwards and her children: Toryn, Michael, and Justin, Cassie (Michael) Evenson and their daughter Nola and a baby expected, Connie (Jeff) Schafer, Kelly (Greg) North and their children: Haylie and Addie, Dan Olson and his daughter Joryn, Nathan (Jenna) Olson and baby expected, and Nikki Olson. LaVona was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; 2 brothers: Emery and Lloyd and a grandson, Charles Schafer. The Mass of Resurrection will be held on Thursday,, April 8, 2010 at 12:00 PM, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Neenah, with the Rev. Michael Ingold officiating and being assisted by Deacon James Olson, nephew. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 10:30 AM until the hour of service. A memorial is being established in her name. The family wishes to thank the staff of Oakridge Gardens and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care and attention they offered in her final days. LaVona loved life and loved to laugh, even in her final days. She exhibited strength and courage that impacted and touched not only her family, but her many friends. She welcomed each new member of the Olson family as it continued to grow even after her husband passed. She truly loved the newest generation of great grandchildren and cherished every moment with them. She never forgot a birthday and loved to talk on the phone, just to hear what was new with you. She was an incredible woman who will be missed by everyone who knew her. We rejoice in the belief that she has been lovingly reunited with her partner and best friend, who she missed everyday. The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks.