RITA M. OLSON

RITA M. OLSON

     Rita M. Olson, 84, of Tomah and formerly of Black River Falls, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at Touch of Home in Tomah, WI.

     Rita was born March 19, 1940, to Frank and Gertrude (Watson) Rowlee. She married Larry Olson May 4, 1958, in Black River Falls. Rita had various jobs as a waitress at Grandma Smrekar’s, cashier at Millston Gas Station and clerk at Mosser Lee, all in Millston. She was also the first female rural mail carrier in Black River Falls and worked for the postal service from 1973 to 2000. She was very proud of her reliable, consistent and friendly service on her rural postal route and many patrons still share how much she is missed.

     At the heart of Rita’s world was her family. She was a loving wife to her husband for 61 years, Larry, with whom she shared countless treasured moments and many on a motorcycle. Together, they raised their family of four children, instilling the values of kindness, hard work, perseverance and the importance of family.

     Rita enjoyed a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved by family and many friends.

     Rita is survived by her children, LaVonne Smith, Deb (Tim) Frost, Larry (Butch) Olson and Glen Olson; 11 grandchildren, Brooke, Derek, Nikki, April, Shane, Sarah, Amy, Bridget, Logan, Nick and Joe; along with 22 great-grandchildren.

     Rita was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father and all of her brothers and sisters and son-in-law.

     The family would like to thank the staff/residents of Touch of Home and Tomah Health Palliative Care and Hospice Touch for the care given to Rita.

     The memorial service for Rita will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Torgerson’s Funeral Home in Black River Falls. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery in Millston.