Leonard Eric Olson age 87 of Elmwood passed away on Sunday May 18, 2014 at the Plum City Care Center.

Leonard was born on July 2, 1926 in the family farm house in the Township of Rock Elm, Pierce County to Eric and Helen (Bergman) Olson.  He attended Cornerview School through eighth grade and graduated from Elmwood High School in 1944.  Leonard married the love of his life, Betty Mae Wade on June 6, 1949 in the Elmwood Methodist Church.  He was employed as a hired man on the George and Ed Wild farm near Rock Elm.  In February of 1952, Leonard & Betty with two small children moved to the Olson family farm.  As his family grew so did his faith in God.  He was very devoted to the Rock Elm United Methodist Church, taking part as Lay Leader for many years, active on all committees, participated in the infamous ice cream socials or any facet of supporting his love of this community of Worship and friends.

In addition to farming, Leonard enjoyed finding treasures at auctions, raising a spectacular hybrid dahlia and having the satisfaction of seeing hundreds of jars of produce he and Betty canned from their garden.  It was traditional that when family came to visit, you left with jars of the fruits of their labor.  Leonard will be remembered mostly for his love and devotion to his family.  He was a gentle, kind, honorable, generous and dependable husband, dad and grandpa.   Leonard was dedicated to attending as many events as possibly could for his children and grandkids.  Driving long distance and staying late hours never deterred his enthusiasm to be there.  We all felt honored and blessed to have such a special connection with such a special man.  Leonard liked nothing better then a good joke or (long) story.  In concert with his Swedish heritage, Ole & Lena were the topic of conversation on many occasions.

Leonard is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Betty; four children, Barbara (Jerry) Sinz of Edgar; Bruce of Elmwood; Brenda Davidson of Cumberland; Barry (Joyce) of Kaukauna; eight grandchildren, Jason (Amber), Jeremy (Tracey), Jordan (Stephanie) and Justin Sinz; Wade (Bobbie Jo) Olson; Chad (Anna) Fischer; Gretchen (Bill) Hammen; Tyler (Carissa) Olson; 14 great grandchildren; a sister, Norene (Tom) Chase of Tallahassee, FL; two brothers, Neil (Marvel) of Menomonie and Floyd (Kathy) of Roseville, MN; many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Stanley.

The Olson family would like to thank Dr. Kincaid and the staff at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire and the staff at the Plum City Care Center for their kind and compassionate care of Leonard this past month.  We appreciated everyone’s prayers, visits, phone calls, and cards for Leonard.  Your love & concern made him smile everyday.  He will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Thursday May 22, 2014 at the Rock Elm United Methodist Church, rural Elmwood with Rev. Michael Weaver officiating.  Burial will be in the Poplar Hill Cemetery-Rock Elm, rural Elmwood.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Condolences

1. Mary Ann Christopherson May 21, 2014, at 6:52pm

   I am so sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed the many times we have visited. I always felt welcomed in your home. Almost as if I were a part of the family. All of you are in my prayers. Love you much.

2. Dan and Donna Butt and Family May 21, 2014, at 1:49pm

   Leonard was such a special person who could light up a room. We will miss him. We send our condolences to the family.

3. Gloria Struck May 21, 2014, at 7:09am

   I remember best of Leonard in my early and teen age years. He was always smiling and was so generous and giving of himself. Leonard and Betty always took the time to stay in touch with my mother, Ione and to keep her updated of happenings in the old neighborhood. My condolences to all the family. I know he will be missed by many.

4. Fred & Anne Sinz May 20, 2014, at 5:03pm

   Our prayers are with all the Olson family.

5. Reta Sanford May 20, 2014, at 9:43am

   Thinking of you. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.

6. Kirk and Joyce Keenlyne May 20, 2014, at 7:51am

   So sorry to hear about your loss.
   Leonard was a very nice man. Always seemed happy. He led a good life.

7. John Barrett May 19, 2014, at 11:11pm

   Betty, we share in your loss of a man who comes along once in a lifetime. His life was truly one lived for our Lord and filled with the Spirit of God. Thank you for sharing him with us all,

8. Ruth Swanson (cousin) & Family May 19, 2014, at 5:12pm

   Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Leonard will be greatly missed.

9. Rev. Charles and Rev. Margaret DeMaris May 19, 2014, at 5:11pm

   Dear Betty and Family, At the February meeting of the National Association of United Methodist Evangelists Rev. John Barrett stated that Leonard was the most loving man he had ever met in any church anywhere in his entire career. We agree. Leonard is now known to Methodist evangelists from New York City to L.A. for the deep Christian love in his heart. He blessed our lives.

10. Dick May 19, 2014, at 3:14pm

    Thanks. For being a special neighbor.

11. Ardeth & Ken Claflin May 19, 2014, at 2:35pm

    You are in our prayers.

12. Marge Binkowski May 19, 2014, at 1:17pm

    Betty and family; thank you for the privilege of caring for your husband, father, and grandfather. You are a very special family. Our condolences to you all

13. Dee May 19, 2014, at 1:13pm

    Betty and family,
    Thoughts and prayers for all of you. Leonard will be missed greatly

View More Posts ( # )