Karen Louise (Wahl) Olson
Karen Louise (Wahl) Olson, 76, of Chelsea, lost her three year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at her sister’s house, under the care of Hope Hospice. A funeral mass for Karen will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Apr. 7 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Chelsea Community Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Hemer-Pickerign on Wednesday, Apr. 6 from 4 p.m. until the time of a Rosary service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday, Apr. 7 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Karen was born Jan. 8, 1946 in Medford to Ignatius and Abbie (Bishop) Wahl. She graduated from Westboro High School in 1964 and Taylor County Teachers College in 1966, she taught at Pittsville and Westboro. She married Tom Olson on Oct. 17, 1970 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Westboro. Karen then went back to school in Minneapolis to be a lab technician. She worked at Hospitals in Eau Claire, Medford and Merrill. She then worked at the Rib Lake Nursing Home for 20 years. Later she worked at the Rib Lake Schools as an aide for special need students and in the bakery at County Market, retiring early because of health issues. She was the first treasurer of the Chelsea Sanitation District.
Karen’s faith was always important to her; she served as a Lay Minister at Assumption Catholic Church and Holy Rosary for over 30 years. She was active in the Ladies Sodality, the choir and was a Religious Education Teacher. She was a Hospice volunteer for over 30 years. She was a volunteer at the Little Store for over 25 years serving as its treasurer for many years until her health forced her to resign in January. Karen was the founder and promoter of the All School Reunion for Westboro High School. She spent countless hours tracking down graduates, updating addresses planning and coordinating the venue, and preserving obituaries of deceased graduates. She had plans for a reunion this July, but had to cancel when her health deteriorated. Karen was honored in Medford as A Hero Among Us in 2017.
Karen was always thinking of others. She made and gave away hundreds of Tied Fleece Blankets, anyone she knew that was battling cancer or other illness was given a blanket to comfort them and keep them warm. She never forgot an anniversary, birthday, graduation, shower, wedding, special event, anyone in need or just thinking of you, she sent hundreds of cards to people letting them know someone cared. Don’t be surprised if you still get a card, she always had them ready a month ahead so they would be on time. If you were ill she would be at your door with a blanket and food. She had a pan of bars for every funeral. She spent hours every year making small blankets and pillows for the Kids Korner in December, so the kids would have something to buy for their parents. Giving was her passion; every year she bought school supplies for numerous children of family, friends or those in need. She had Christmas gifts for many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and God-Children. She was affectionately referred to as Auntie Clause. Her Christmas shopping was usually done by Valentine’s Day. Karen spent her time praying the rosary, doing puzzles, playing cards, making blankets and working in one of her many puzzle books.
Karen is survived by her twin sister, Sharon (Francis) Coenen, Westboro; sisters, Lucille Sauder, Racine, Delores (Dolly) (Robert) Feira, Wausau, Colleen (David) Knott, Westboro; brothers, Andrew (Shirley) Wahl, Brandon Bernard (Mary) Wahl, Marshfield, and Michael (Sandra) Wahl, Westboro; 37 nieces and nephews, 79 great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and God-children; two special great nephews, Merrick and Zach Olson and God-daughter Joleen Zychowicz; brother-in-law, Larry Olson, as well as many friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, in 2008; her companions Smokey and Goldie; her parents; Tom’s parents; in-laws, Elmer Sauder, Doretta Olson, Rita and Charles Eisner, Pat Faude; nieces and nephews, Bob Sauder, Sandra Brandner, Charles Eisner and Tim Olson; and great nephews, Matt Olson and Wyatt Zychowicz.
Special thanks to Father Patrick McConnell, Dave Kalmon, Hope Hospice, and all those who brought her a meal, stopped for a visit, said a prayer for her, gave her a ride, mowed her lawn, or helped in any way. Memorials can be made in her name to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Hope Hospice or the Little Store.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice. com.
Paid Obituary 119037
