Leona Olson

Leona Olson, age 88, passed away on November 17, 2015 in Janesville, WI.

Leona Vangen was born on April 29, 1927 to Anton and Bertha Vangen in Cooperstown, ND. She was raised on a farm in the Binford area and graduated from Binford High School in 1945. She married Kenneth Olson on June 2, 1946. They purchased a farm in the Binford area where they farmed and raised their children. Kenneth died on June 12, 1984. Leona moved to Cooperstown where she worked as a dietary aide in the Cooperstown Medical Center. In 1995, she moved to Janesville to be closer to family. She worked part-time cleaning the common areas of The Willard Haus Apartments (where she resided). She retired from working in 2010.

Leona enjoyed baking, square dancing and music. Family and friends especially enjoyed her buns and donuts. She kept a daily diary for 60 years. The Lord gave her the ability to sing and the opportunity to proclaim His Glory. She sang solos and duets with her children and her best friend, Donna Hoiberg-singing in programs, worship services, and funerals. In later years she enjoyed traveling.

She is survived by: daughter Karen (Michael) Rheinschmidt, Anchorage, AK; son Lance (Lori) Olson, Chicago, IL; grandsons Louis and Shane; nephew Steve (Kathy) Vangen; niece Sue (Eldon) Brudos; great nieces Sheri and Debbie; brother-in-law Willard Olson; and sister-in-law Lucy Vangen.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Kenneth; brother Norman; and bros/sis-in-law Jennet, Blanche, Stella, Ingmore, Olive, Thorman, Frank, Albert, Delorice, and Alf.