Obituary
Kathleen Lindner Olson
Kathleen Lindner Olson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 22nd after a short battle with cancer.
She was born in Port Washington, Wisconsin on January 25, 1948 to Carl and Hazel (Gilow) Lindner. When she was 4 her family moved to Grafton, Wisconsin.
Kathleen graduated from Grafton High School in 1966. She attended UW-River Falls from 1967 until 1970.
On June 13, 1970 she married Donald Olson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Amery, Wisconsin. Kathleen graduated from Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1971 with a degree in biology. Donald and Kathleen moved to La Crosse in 1974. Kathleen completed her masters degree in reading at UW-La Crosse.
She taught in the Instructional Support Services division at Western Technical College for over 20 years. She loved the work she did and was immensely devoted to her students.
She had a quick wit and keen sense of humor. As a former trumpet player she enjoyed music, especially classical. In retirement, she enjoyed nature, gardening, and reading.
Kathleen is survived by her husband Donald of La Crosse, her daughter Dr. Erika Olson of Lansing, Michigan, a sister Carol (Charles) Mote of Lawton, Oklahoma and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Walter Lindner, and a sister Janis Lindner.
In accordance with Kathleen’s wishes a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left atwww.couleecremation.com.
Don’t be sad that Kathy is gone but be happy that she lived. Kathy was a fellow instructor at WWTI and we briefly shared an office. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Erika,
I’m so sorry to hear this. My heart and thoughts are with you today and for the coming days, weeks, months. Your mom was so gentle, so kind, and so strong… the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. My love to you. And ((hugs)) to you, Mr. O, and your extended family. -Katy
Don and family,
Our sympathy and condolences. We are saddened by the passing of Kathy but know your mourning will be eased in time by the memories of the quality of her life with each of you.
Mary and Rich Dannhoff
My sympathy and prayers to Kathy’s loved ones. She was truly a dedicated instructor at Western Technical College where I worked with her. I appreciated her quiet, calm demeanor and warm smile. May happy memories of Kathy bring solace in this most difficult time of loss.
Don and Erica, I am so sorry. I didn’t even know she was ill. My heart and thoughts are with you.
Dear Don and Erika;
You have my sincerest sympathy! I would absolutely agree that Kathy enjoyed her work and gave it a solid effort, always trying to improve so that her students would learn.
If there is anything that Carolyn and/or I can do to support you at this time, please feel free to ask.
With Sympathy!
Jim & Carolyn
I enjoyed my visits and overnights with you and Kathy. She was very warm and nice to visit with. I sent my request to Sandy to welcome Kathy into heaven.
Kathy was a good friend for over 40 years, maid of honor at our wedding and godmother to our children. To say that we’ll miss her is an understatement. Her clear-sightedness and determination were an inspiration to our family, as were her kindness and thoughtfulness. Don and Erika, you were so lucky to have had her in your lives!
Don and Erika
I’m sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was a smart and witty person. I enjoyed visiting with her at WTC, and when I came up to the house . I know there are many great memories.
We cannot overstate our sadness from the loss of Kathy to you and Erika, and to your community of friends and family. Jan and I pray for your comfort in light of this truly emotional period for you.
Don and family–
We were so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. We hope that good memories will bring you some comfort at this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely, Bob and Eileen Mueller
Dear Don and Erika,
Please accept my sincere condolences in Kathy’s passing. She was indeed a wonderful lady and loved by her family. She will be missed and always loved and remembered fondly.
I wish you patience in these hard times.
A. H. Ziaimehr
Don and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Don – you and Kathy warmly opened your home to us when were considering moving to the La Crosse area. I will always remember her quick wit and sense of humor. It saddens me that we lost contact with both of you over the years. I would occasionally bump into Kathy when grocery shopping, and she and I would take time to catch up on things that had gone on since our last meeting. I have thought of Kathy often in recent months with many fond memories. Our prayers go out to you and Erika and your extended family.
Don and family,
Mary and I are very sorry for the loss of Kathleen. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brent Larson and Mary Newgard-Larson
We will miss Kathy’s insights, wit and analytic mind. It was wonderful working with her at Western Technical College while she was there. We shared ideas and solved problems together. I certainly enjoyed our chances to get together for coffee and occasional lunches after we both retired. We will miss those times but remember her fondly.
Don and Erika, we know you will miss her terribly. Fred and I will continue to cherish the memories and hold you in prayer.
Don and Erika, we were so very sorry to hear about Kathy. We were so glad to have met her last summer. We enjoyed our conversations with her at the service for Andea. She was smart, witty, funny, and very sweet. Our thoughts are with you. Please stay in touch.
Don,
We just found out today about Kathleen’s sudden passing. We want to express our sincere condolences to you and the family.
Jerry & Sharon Yehle