Betty E. Olson

Betty Olson often said she planned to live until she was 108 years old. Instead, she left this world on August 18, 2025, at the age of 92, cheerful and upbeat until her last days. The matriarch of the family, she was a kind and gentle force to be reckoned with. In her last days, her children, grandchildren and their spouses kept vigil, providing her with loving care around the clock. She was well-loved and her legacy lives on in her family.

Born in Peoria County, Illinois, Betty graduated from Mineral Point High School in southwest Wisconsin. She married Gerald Lavern Olson on June 16, 1951, in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary together.

They were blessed with three children, Sandra Miller (Rochelle Kaskowitz) of St Louis, Missouri, Kevin (Carol) Olson of Baraboo, Wisconsin and Bruce (Patricia) Olson of Madison, Wisconsin. They have seven grandchildren Lisa (Ryan) McAbee, Ben Olson, Nathan Miller, Jennifer (Mike) Kyllo, Jesse (Rachel) Olson, Renee Miller (Yann Lellouche) and Adam (Hanna) Vadeboncoeur, and five great-grandchildren Taryn and Nolan McAbee, Wes Kyllo, Margot Miller-Lellouche and Corwin Olson and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was ahead of the times. As a young mom, she started working full-time outside the home in 1962, starting as a key-punch operator and learning new software with each new technology innovation until she retired in 1991.

After retiring, Betty studied to become a chaplain. She embraced chaplaincy with all her heart and energy. As a volunteer, she worked the night shift in the emergency department. She listened and prayed with those in need of solace.

Betty and Gerald, beloved husband known by most as Jerry, loved to experience new cultures and learn the history and geography of new places. Their travels took them across the United States and Canada and into Mexico as well as to Europe, the Middle East, southern Africa and Japan.

Family, friends and faith were the foundation on which Jerry and Betty built a meaningful life. Betty maintained a lifelong friendship with her 4th grade friend, Helen Komplin, and continued making friends her whole life long. Friendships with couples revolved around shared interests, playing cards, dancing, camping, fishing, biking, travel and their faith.

Betty and Jerry offered an open door to all. They hosted an exchange student from Japan and offered a bedroom to nieces and nephews who came to Madison for summer jobs or to hunt for an apartment or take classes at Madison Area Technical College. Betty was a sounding board for other nieces and nephews and a “second mom” to some. She had enough love for everyone. She brought her presence to listen to her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and strangers as they shared their struggles and accomplishments. She rarely gave advice. Hers was the gift of listening and caring.

Betty is survived by brother William Sniff and sister-in-law Carole Olson and many nieces and nephews. Betty is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Ethel Sniff, siblings and their spouses CJ and Enza Sniff, Helen and Robert Stone, Gene and Marion Sniff as well as Gerald’s parents Gertrude and Francis Olson, and his siblings and their spouses LaVon and Pat Watson, Norma and John Shreve, Calvin and Donna Olson and Milo Olson.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate the lives and love of Betty and Gerald Olson on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Otter Creek Lutheran Church, 4809 County Highway P, Highland, Wis., 53543. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am in the sanctuary. The Celebration of Life and Love and graveside interment will follow. All are invited to share a buffet lunch at the Red Zone, 360 Main St, Highland immediately following the interment.

Gifts may be sent in memory of Betty and Jerry Olson to Otter Creek Lutheran Church, 4809 County Highway P, Highland, Wisconsin 53543, the Meriter Foundation - Pastoral Care Program or the charity of your choice.