Fern Lucille Olson

Fern L Olson, passed away peacefully on the evening of September 18th, 2017 at The Deerfield Gables, New Richmond, WI after struggling with Alzheimer's and other health issues.  She was blessed with a long full life and lived to the age of 95.

Fern was born in Woodmohr Township, Chippewa County, WI on June 27, 1922 to Paul A and Eva E (Reichel) Ferstenou.  She was the second oldest in a family of 9 children.  Her parents were a farming family and when old enough she would help with household chores, watch and care for her younger siblings and help with farm chores.  Eventually she went to work for other families providing childcare, cooking and cleaning services.

Fern met the love of her life and married Trygve H Olson on November 5, 1946.  They took over Trygve’s family farm and farmed for a number of years.  Eventually they left farming life and moved to Chetek, WI.

She considered her greatest role in life was being a wife and a mother, but she did go to work outside of the home eventually after all her children were in school.  Fern worked at the Chetek School District for many years as a cook and also enjoyed many summers working at the Baptist Bible camp in Chetek.

Small gardens and planting flowers each spring brought much enjoyment to Fern.  She was an exceptional cook and baker and loved looking at new recipes and trying them out as well.

Dovre Lutheran Church was an integral part of Fern and Trygve’s life and they were lifelong members there.  She taught Sunday school for many years and because she had a love for music and singing she enjoyed being a member of the church choir. Fern was an active member of East Mission Circle and hosted many Bible studies throughout the years.

Her kind and generous heart could be seen in her actions of bringing baked goods to families going through a loss, tragedy or illness.  Her greatest testament of love was to her own husband when he was diagnosed with bone and kidney cancer and she lovingly cared for him during this difficult two year journey.  His desire was to die in his own home and Fern with the help of their youngest son, Gary, honored his wishes.

Fern always had a goal to someday donate blood but due to not meeting the weight requirement was not able to do so for many years.  She never gave up and finally at a much older age she was finally able to give “the gift of life” and her first blood donation was a very proud and happy moment for her.  

Being a grandmother to seven grandchildren brought her much joy and in time she was blessed with three great grandchildren and with her fourth great grandchild to be born this coming January. These three little ones brightened up her life! She loved their visits to the nursing home and enjoyed the fun and laughter that children bring to one’s life.  Despite her Alzheimer's she would always remember to ask Carol Ann how these little ones were and she was always delighted to hear how they were doing and what fun they were up to.

With grateful hearts, the family, would like to thank The Deerfield Gables and staff and the Hudson, WI St Croix Hospice team for their loving care given to their mother.

Fern is survived by her three children, Cheryl (Tom) Kieser, of Melbourne, FL; Carol Ann (Ed) LeClair, of Amery, WI; James (Jean) Olson, of Rockwall, TX; seven grandchildren, Natasha Kieser, of Fort Meyer, Fl; Yolanda Kieser (Tyson Hass) of Fort Meyers, FL; Curtis Kieser (Abigail Pressler) of Tampa, Fl; Christa (Eric) Snyder of Seattle, WA; Chris (Inger) LeClair of Luck, WI; Marisa (Doug) Lindsay of Amery, WI; Zachary (Amber) Olson of the United States Army, stationed at Fort Carson, CO; three great grandchildren, Dane and Morgan LeClair and Gavin Lindsay; her siblings Walter Ferstenou, Elmer Ferstenou and Dorothy Hassemer; and nieces, nephews and many other relatives.

Fern was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Trygve Olson; her son, Gary Olson and siblings Edward Ferstenou, Melvin Ferstenou, Eugene Ferstenou, Betty Wells and Helen Anderson. 

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 25, 2017 at Dovre Lutheran Church with Pastor Ralph Marquardt officiating.  Family and friends may gather from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.  Interment will follow at Dovre Lutheran Cemetery.  Please join the family for continued fellowship and a luncheon In the church hall after the burial.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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