Aleda A. Olson Obituary (1916

RIO - Aleda Amelia Olson passed away peacefully to her eternal home on April 5, 2014, at the Columbus Nursing and Rehab Center where she had been a resident for several years. She was born on the family farm three miles south of Rio on April 18, 1916 to Johannes Johnson and Ingeborg Sande Johnson. She graduated from Rio High School and Madison Business College. Aleda met the love of her life, Mahlon Olson, in Milwaukee while he was on leave from the U.S. Navy. They were married on May 12, 1943 and moved to Rio. Naval life led them to various states, during which time they had two sons born in Portage, WI and San Diego, CA. After Mahlon passed away in May 1952, the family continued to live in Rio. Aleda worked for many years for the State of Wisconsin as a stenographer and administrative assistant, and later was a CNA at the Columbia County Health Care Center, until she retired. Through the years Aleda found great comfort in reading her Bible. She found joy in playing the piano and organ, fishing, and painting. Her paintings adorn many households in the Rio area, along with the Columbus Hospital and the Rio library. She continued to play piano until her last few months, when vision and arthritis made it more difficult. In her later years, playing bingo became a highlight of her day. Above all other interests, she took the most joy in spending time with her family. She was a lifelong member of Bonnet Prairie Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Ruth Circle. Aleda was a long time member of the Rio American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and the Columbus Art Association. She was a member of a ladies birthday card club for over 50 years. Aleda is survived by two sons, Alan of Waterloo, WI, and Rick (Linda) of Rio, four grandchildren, Rhonda Langeteig, Vicki (Greg) Harruff, Bradd (Sarah) Olson, Bryan Olson, six great grandchildren, Travis and Angie Peterson, Sophia and Alexandra Harruff, Tate and Noah Olson, two great- great grandchildren, Mason and Austin Hein, and nieces Joann Skare and Connie Higgins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Helen Laper, and her nephews Roger and Ronald Laper. Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 11, 2014 at 11 AM at Bonnet Prairie Lutheran Church in Rio with Rev. Joan Wittrock officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church. Inurnment will be held at a later date. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Columbus Nursing and Rehab Center and the Columbus Community Hospital for the loving care provided to Aleda. A special thank you is owed to Dr. Bruce Kraus for his many years of care.