Margie Olson Obituary (1935 - 2025)

On October 10, 2025, our beloved mother, Margie Olson, born February 8, 1935, went to sing with the angels. We know as she stepped through Heaven’s gates, she fell into the loving arms of our father, Donald Olson — reunited in eternal love. Margie and Don’s love story kicked off in high school; a romance that could’ve inspired a Hollywood musical. They waltzed through life together, from Air Force adventures across the southern U.S., to settling in Wisconsin to raise their rambunctious crew: three sons, Steve, Curt, and Ben, and their cherished daughter, Meg. Together, they created a haven of music, laughter, and unconditional love. While Don worked long hours as an aviation engineer, Margie poured her heart into making their house a home. Her children woke each morning to the sound of her pure soprano voice and the smell of pancakes on the griddle. Singing was part of her daily rhythm — a song for every chore, a melody for every moment. Margie’s passion for education and service extended well beyond her family. She volunteered tirelessly in local schools, championing education and literacy through her work with the American Literacy Council to help adults unlock the magic of reading. Her passion caught the eye of a principal in the Beloit Turner School District who recruited her to the staff, where she worked for 25 years and rose to become an Administrative Secretary known for her impeccable organization and infectious enthusiasm. Margie's heart for service knew no bounds — she directed choirs, taught Sunday school, performed as a soloist, and supported Brownie troops and Cub Scouts with boundless energy. As an active member of her local women's club, she often served as secretary — her keen attention to detail keeping everything in perfect harmony. In quieter moments, she delighted in sewing doll clothes for donations or loved ones, baking fresh bread and cookies that could mend any bad day, and losing herself in the pages of a captivating novel. When she and Don retired to Florida, they traded snow shovels for golf clubs, soaking up sunny days until Don’s health called them back to the Midwest. There, Margie’s love and devotion shone brighter than ever; a true beacon for her family. She lived with grace, a sharp wit, and a moral compass that could guide a ship through a storm. Her grandchildren, who called her “Grammaggie,” left every visit with a little more wisdom, a lot more love, and probably a cookie or two. She was a teacher, a singer, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend. She showed us what it means to love selflessly, to serve joyfully, and to live faithfully. We will never forget her Hollywood smile, her lilting laughter, her patient empathy, and her strong spirit. Her song continues in us all. She leaves behind her children, Steve (Chong) Olson, Curt (Merilee) Olson, Ben (Jan) Olson, and Meg (Ken) Lewis; her adored grandchildren, Dana Mills (James), Tyler (Juliette) Olson, Thomas (Kymberly) Olson, Kollin (Lexi) Olson, Jack Johnson, and Audrey (Jake) Apostolu; sisters, Rose Rogers and Lynda Christensen; brother-in-law, Beauford Udell, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and her dear pal, Polly Carlton. Margie was predeceased by her soulmate, Don Olson; her parents, Henry and Margie Dickerson; in-laws, Thomas and Barbara Olson; siblings, Bud Murray, Jim Dickerson, Alta Udell, and Helen Elliott; and son-in-law, Brian Johnson. A heartfelt thank you to Beloit Hospice — Jessica, Tonya, Gaylyn, Crystal, and Mark — for their tender care; and to Pastor Dan Herman for his love and entertainment over the last several years. Join us to celebrate Margie’s life at First Congregational Church in Beloit on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Bring your singing voice — Margie would want you to join the choir. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating supplies to your local school or library. Rest easy, Mom. Keep the angels in tune up there.