Gail Diane (Grefe) Olson passed away on May 22, 2024 in Menomonie, with her family by her side.  

Gail was born to Robert and Verda (Swenson) Grefe on December 13, 1952 in Ashland. She was baptized at Rush River Lutheran Church, her mother’s home congregation, on March 1, 1953. Confirmed in her faith on October 22, 1967 at Midvale Community Lutheran Church in Madison, she remained a servant of the Lord throughout her entire life. Gail fondly recalled her upbringing alongside her brothers Bob and Don; recounting the many places she lived and attended school as her father’s employment moved the family around the state. During the move to Madison, Gail acquired the honorary sister she had always wanted, Margaret James.

Gail graduated from Madison West High School in 1971 and went on to attend college at UW-Madison, pursuing a degree in education. She graduated in May, 1975 with a degree in Elementary Education. Later in life, she earned her Master’s in Education from UW-LaCrosse with her final project focusing on letter writing, a passion that never quit.

Gail’s first job out of college brought her to Prairie Farm. Gail met a handsome young farmer, Don Olson, through introduction by her friend and co-worker (and future sister-in-law), Sheila Olson. Don and Gail married on October 15, 1977 at United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm. They made their home on the Olson family farm. Their union was blessed with three children: twin girls, Laura and Virginia, followed by a son, Peter. Gail resigned from paid employment to raise their children, but never stopped teaching. While her children were her only students for a time, she also volunteered to teach Sunday School for many years at United Lutheran and filled in as a substitute teacher in Prairie Farm.

Gail returned to full-time teaching in Prairie Farm in 1994 and retired in 2018 after 24 years of teaching Language Arts and Social Studies to middle school students. She was known for being both generous and firm in the classroom, holding students to high standards and lovingly celebrating their successes. Gail was also incredibly active in the community throughout her life. She formed many lasting friendships through her involvement with the Naomi Circle at United Lutheran. She was active in the Ladies Aide, serving as president for many years, and she served on the Zion Cemetery board for 20+ years as the treasurer. After retirement, Gail enjoyed participating in “Do-Day,” making quilts for the Lutheran World Relief efforts.

Even with fond memories of her moves as a child, she never wanted to move again. Gail led a content life on the farm, pursuing many hobbies including gardening, cross-stitch, quilting, reading, and baking. Undoubtedly, one of her greatest joys in life was her grandchildren. Grandma-life became a hobby of its own as she loved, snuggled, fed, and read to the next generation.

Gail tried to live her life based on the Fruits of the Spirit: love, patience, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. She was all of that and more and will be dearly missed.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Verda Grefe; father and mother-in-law, Erling and Helen Olson; sister-in-law, Sheila Olson, and brother-in-law, Harold Rooker.

Gail is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Donald Olson and her children: Laura (Ryan) Doebereiner, Virginia (Jacob) Welle, and Peter (Meghan) Olson; grandchildren, her greatest joy: Emily, Abigail, and Owen Doebereiner, Anton and Aericka Olson; brothers, Robert Grefe and Donald (Christine) Grefe; sister of the heart, Margaret James; brother-in-law, Dennis Olson; sister-in-law, Diane Rooker and sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Orland Bygd; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Please join us to celebrate Gail’s life at United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm with a funeral service to be held on Monday June 3, 2024 at 11am at United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm with Rev. Sara Feld officiating. A visitation will be held on Sunday June 2, 2024 from 4-7pm at United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm and one hour prior to the service on Monday morning at the church. Interment will follow the service at the Vanceburg Cemetery in Sheridan township.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Gail’s memory be made to the Lutheran World Relief organization to support the “Quilts and Kits” ministry.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: May 24, 2024 12:45 pm CDT