Helen Marie (Nelson) Olson

Helen Marie Olson, 96, of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Golden Age Manor.  Helen Nelson was born on August 12, 1920 in Centuria, Wisconsin the daughter of Fred and Edith Nelson.

After high school her first job was secretary to Harold Higgins who had a credit bureau until he left to be a member of the FBI in D.C. Then on October 23, 1939 she married Alfred Olson. They had four children. She worked several years for Olson Pharmacy in Balsam Lake. With WW II, Alfred joined the Navy and was stationed in Memphis, TN. It was two years until the war ended. Helen’s experiences there she never forgot. With the family grown, Helen worked for Guy Williams’ grocery store. Much time was spent at the Faith Lutheran Church. Helen was a charter member since it was built. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and Bible school. She was also active in Ladies Aid. A highlight of her life was a trip to Israel. Going to places where Jesus had walked. As life goes by so fast, soon it was their 50th anniversary. The family planned a surprise gathering in Denver and presented them with a large family portrait. At home Helen loved the lake and growing flowers. Her family was very special to her. Her four grandsons from Denver and Washington came several summers to visit her, and she enjoyed spoiling them.

Helen leaves to celebrate her memory, children; Gary (Sharry) Olson of St. Croix Falls, WI; Sue (Don) Hagen of Kent, WA; Greg (Calleen) Olson of Parker, CO; Mark (Tony Deagan) Olson of Denver, CO.; grandchildren, Eric, John and Joseph Westfall, Robert Olson and Shannon Boucher; great-grandchildren, McKennah, Audrey and Carter Olson, Joey and Janie Westfall and many other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by parents, Fred and Edith Nelson; husband, Alfred Olson; brother, Stanley Nelson; and daughter-in-law, Tomma.

Funeral services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the service time at 11:00 A.M.  Rev. Diane Norstad will officiate.

Helen will be laid to rest alongside her husband Alfred in the Balsam Lake Cemetery following the funeral service. The family would like to invite their guest for lunch and fellowship at the church following the burial.

Pallbearers will be Dick Blattner, Guy Williams, Roger Wolske, Max Littlefield, Tony Deagan and Mark Biller. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tom Hallberg and Don Hendrickson.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.