Mildred E. Olson, age 96, of Spooner, WI passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018 at her home. 

Mildred Evelyn was born August 6, 1922 in Holcomb, WI the daughter of Jessie and Laura (Brown) Taylor.  She was raised on the family farm in Holcomb and attended school through the eighth grade there.  Mildred had to move to Menomonie and live with her aunt so she could complete high school.  After graduating from Menomonie High School she went to work at a café in Altoona.  While working at the café, Mildred met George Olson.  Millie and George were married on August 9, 1942 in Holcomb and then settled in Spooner, WI.  Other than a short few years in Rice Lake, Millie and George lived in Spooner their entire lives.  Millie was well known in her community for being an Avon, Fuller Brush, and Watkins representative, and then in the early 1960’s began working for the Spooner Bake Shop.  Millie loved the work and the people and only retired due to her failing eyesight.  Millie was also known for her floral gardens around the house and her cooking.  She is loved and remembered for her great sense of humor.  She enjoyed needlework and loved being with her children and grandchildren.  She was a member of the Methodist Church in Spooner.

She taught us that serving delicious food to our family was an expression of love, that listening quietly was a virtue, and that hard work was rewarding.  We learned that the rhythmic motion of pulling weeds could actually be soothing and cathartic.   We learned that rich soil feels good in our hands, and that the smell of flowers and wet dirt reminds us that life goes on.  When we were with her, we experienced the greatness of unconditional love.  She left us that special gift as her legacy, and we will cherish it for the rest of our days. 

Millie is survived by her daughter, Shirley (Ray) Knutson of Spooner, WI; six grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one sister, Beverly Depke of Eau Claire, WI; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; son, Harold; four sisters and two brothers.

A private graveside will be held for Millie at the Spooner Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials can be made to:  Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired. 

Last Update: Dec 09, 2018 9:38 am CST