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Obituary

Margaret “Squib” Olsen

April 30, 2020 | 32 comments

Margaret “Squib” Olsen

Born July 23rd, 1950 to Earling and Mildred (Rosenow) Olsen, in Galesville, WI. The youngest of 6, given the name “Squib” as a youngster, by her oldest brother, Jer. There was a character in a book that reminded him of her, a little spit-fire tomboy. Squib enjoyed all sports, especially when she was called up to fill in on the boys baseball team, and showed them how well a girl could hit and pitch.

Squib graduated from Gale-Ettrick High School in 1968. Squib went on to win the Western Wisconsin Amateur in ‘69 & ‘70. In the mid 70’s her golf journey took her to California where she won 4 tournaments of the Women’s Professional Golf Tour from 1976-79. One great thrill in California was breaking the LPGA Hall of Famer Mickey Wright’s course record with a 5-under-par 68, winning the Visalia Open in Visalia, CA. Though she cherished life and golf in California, especially a round with Arnold Palmer, Squib felt the need to come home. She returned to Wisconsin in the early 90’s and became the Assistant Pro at Cedar Creek Country Club, Onalaska. From there she went to her beloved Drugan’s where she was the Golf Pro for 7 years. Squib enjoyed helping the young and old learn and enjoy the game of golf. After 14 years with her greatest accomplishment, the TRGA (Three Rivers Golf Association) Squib’s next tournament began, cancer.

Squib’s tournament of life ended in the early hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2020, with family and her dear sister Ruth, that cared for her for the last 6 ½ years. Squib was preceded by her parents and brother Jerry. She is survived by sisters Carol, Dee and Ruth and brother LDO. Nieces Nikki and Toni (Dennis). Nephews Tim, Todd, Rich (Casey), Dan (Yuki) and Joel (Emily). 5 great nieces, 4 great nephews and 4 great-great nephews. Squib is also survived by YOU, her amazing friends and golfing family. She was tremendously grateful for all the kindness and compassion from all of you through her tournament of life.

Condolences

32 Comments

  1. Jeff Zielke

    Squib made a lasting impression on me. Truly an amazing human being. She made me feel like I was an important member of the TRGA in my first tournament. She would greet you with a warm smile. I watched her handle the tournament like a true professional. My condolences describes family. She was truly special.

  2. Dick Teska

    Prayers to her family, I had the pleasure to no them all

    • Tom Knothe

      My condolences to Margaret’s family. Squib was so nice, gentle, patient and giving. She always had a kind word for others. Squib gave me a great tip that I always think about when hitting a wedge. We will always remember her!

  3. Diane Alvarez Nelsestuen

    Margaret, Squib, or Margo, as some of us called this great lady, was highly thought of in ways she in her humility may not have realized. When I think of what we as parents encourage of our children: “Discover your talents, find your passion, and go where they take you.”…. That is exactly what Margo did.
    Beyond being an exceptional athlete, Margo was a deeply caring person whose patience, drive, perseverance, and inclusiveness endeared her to others. In fifth grade I remember struggling to find personal identity and purpose, and “Squib” invited me to join her in doing kitchen duty in the school cafeteria. Oddly enough, clearing/scraping/rinsing everyone’s lunch plates helped me build pride in contributing to something bigger than myself. And I enjoyed the friendship the two of us had in our shared duties.
    I didn’t have the privilege of time spent with Margo in recent years, but she will be greatly missed.

  4. Steve Brown

    Squib was the greatest little neighbor you could ask for. We didn’t spend hundreds, but thousand of hours playing from morning until pitch dark. Most of those hours were at the Little League Park a hundred yards from our homes. It was LL practice in the mornings, pick up games in the afternoon, and back to the park after supper for batting practice or games of 500. I remember her best at playing 3rd base, she could outplay any of the boys she played against.
    It is a tremendous shame they did not have organized girls sports back then, as she would have been All Conference material in every sport she played, and likely would have been an NCAA Scholarship athlete. There is no question in my mind she was one of the finest female athletes ever from our area. More importantly, she was simply a class act in every aspect of life. She will be missed, but never forgotten. Thanks for the wonderful memories Squib. With love from everyone, Steve Brown

  5. Steve Daffinson

    Squib played shortstop on the baseball team I played and pitched on before high school. She fit right in and we all accepted her. She has accomplished so much and her death saddens me.

    • Shellie Von Ruden

      Squib will be remembered forever for her genuine personality and was loved by everyone who met her. She taught so many young golfers golf etiquette, and the love of golf! She was treasured by all of us parents when she taught all our young children to have fun, respect the course and to respect others, and to be proud of yourself for just finishing a round and posting a score!!! She influenced more people than she will ever know! I am so fortunate for my children and myself to have known her!

  6. Brad Stellrecht

    Squiber, it was fun growing up with you. Great Little League times with you. You were a ground breaker. 🙂

  7. Ted Twesme

    Squib was on our Galesville Little League team and was a starter at shortstop; even though she was two years younger than me and other team members. I was the catcher. At that time, girls were not supposed be playing baseball; so she would put her hair in a pony tail and then tuck it up under her cap to hide the fact that she was a girl. Thank God things have changed so that females can now participate and excel in sports. She was the BEST player on our team! She was extremely fast, had a golden glove, and was a great hitter. As Steve Brown described, I remember those many happy days of playing baseball all day long at the Reception Park baseball diamond. I also remember that during the winter, we would sneak our way into the curling rink at night and practice our curling with flashlights for lighting. Squib was always an exuberant participant in these nocturnal forays. Squib was one of Galesville’s greatest athletes ever, male or female! Mary and I extend our sincerest sympathies to the Olsen family on the loss of a great lady.

  8. Barbara Repaal

    I only met Squib in her later years of her life while she was fighting her cancer but even then she made an amazing impression on me so very kind and giving. I am saddened by her death but know God has a very special angel. I send my sympathies to her family.

  9. Susan Brown

    So sorry to hear we have lost her. She was a very special and unique person who always had a smile and something nice to say to everyone. I know she will be missed by all her friends and family, but she has left behind quite a legacy.
    Well fought battle Squib.

  10. Thomas Stellpflug

    Prayers to the family very special person and athlete!

  11. Julie Becker

    What sadness I feel to hear of Squib’s passing. Although I had not seen her in many years, she holds a strong place in my memories. She was a class act. RIP

    • Paul Williamson

      We will all miss Squib so much. Her accomplishments made me want to be a better golfer growing up. She was such a athlete that most people don’t even know about her skills. Even though I only got play a few times with Squib, her demeanor and just watching her play taught me a lot about how to play golf. Her kindness and leadership in running the TRGA golf association and the the Country Am’s will always be missed. God Bless!

  12. Bob Ristow

    Great athlete! Even better person. always had a smile. I echo the thoughts previouly written. She was the best player on our little team, and one of the best golfers around. I always called her Margaret and she always called me Robert. Will miss her.

  13. Sandi Auseth

    Rick and I are sending our deepest sympathies! When we golfed with Kenny, Dee and Squib on Friday nights! Squib played with the guys (she whipped their buts) and Dee and I were the twosome following behind (couldn’t compete!). Of course after golf was a time for socializing and Squib was always up for a good time! She was truly a local Icon! She will be remembered fondly by so many! God Bless!

  14. Don and Dorothy Scow

    Our condolences go out to Squib’s family…May she Rest In Peace!

  15. Bruce Lindseth

    Squib was one of the good ones. Rest in Peace fine lady.

  16. Scott Horne

    I am so sorry to read this. Squib was a woman who truly embodied a love respect for the game and those who competed. And what a positive personality–no matter the flight or handicap, she was enthusiastic and encouraging! She was someone who just made life a little bit better for all who were around her! A great loss but a blessing to know her! RIP Squib!

  17. Carole And Ron Jones

    Such a lovely tribute to your dear sister. Our thought and prayers go out to you all!

  18. Jim Tracy

    My condolences to the family of Squib Olsen. Even though I have not seen her in some time I will always remember her as someone who would go the extra mile to help a person or organization when it came to golf. Golf lost a great ambassador. RIP

  19. Tim Thompson

    Squib was a remarkable, inspiring and caring person. I was fortunate to have have her as a golf instructor in the 90’s and work with her during many County AM tournaments later on. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

  20. donna

    Classy lady met her when we played softball .
    Great player RIP, prayers for the family.

  21. Jim Nelson

    What a wonderful, generous person Squib was! You ALWAYS felt a little better having met her anytime whether it was at area golf courses or just around town. At the reception for her retirement from Three Rivers Golf Association a few years ago, the first thing she said when greeting me was, “Jim, can you still reach down behind your head and clasp your other hand?” It was the attentive golf coach remembering and still checking up on a player. ☺️

  22. The Geier family Paul Julie Dayne & Garrett

    Squib will be deeply remembered by my family especially my boys for how she taught them how to respect the game of golf. Her dedication to teach all young boys and girls the game of golf will never be forgotten. She was truly one of the best we ever had the pleasure of knowing. RIP Margaret Squib❤️

  23. David Benrud

    What a great lady. My condolences to the family. May she rest in peace.

  24. Debby Skogen

    I have been going through old pictures, and I came across several of our children, Ben and Annie, while playing in TRGA junior events. That led to our conversation about Squib. Our kids talked about how kind she was to all of the kids. She taught them to shake hands and look at each other player “in the eyes” before she would let them tee off.

    When giving her speech prior to handing out the trophies, she would tell each of them that they accomplished something terrific by completing their round. She was going to hand out trophies to players who played exceptionally well that particular day, but they all did amazing by just posting a score. Not only did she teach them about golf, but she taught them life lessons.

    My daughter’s favorite memory was that if she didn’t hit a good drive on Hole #1, Squib would give her a “do over” – ha!

    My sympathy to Squib’s family. She was a great woman!

    Scott and Debby Skogen

  25. Nancy (Tyvand) Anthony

    I was very saddened to hear of Squib’s passing. I met her in 1963 at the old Galesville Country Club. I was 15 and Squib was 13. We were paired up when I played a practice round before a golf tournament. I remember she was wearing a baseball cap and her hair was a long blonde ponytail. We were both competitive, but enjoyed each other’s company. Just a few years down the road we both competed in the Western Wisconsin Golf Tournament at the old Lacrosse Country Club. I was fortunate to have seen her about nine years ago. Our deepest sympathy to her family.

  26. Sue (Erickson) Parisi

    I met Squib many years ago through a mutual friend. What a joy she was to this world. Prayers to the family.

  27. Chuck Haug

    A short story about this humble person:

    Years ago she told me that during her 70’s run of tournament victories on the professional tour, “I felt that I was the best female golfer in the world for a brief period of time”.

    RIP

    • Scott F Hauser

      My condolences to the Olsen family.

      My best memories of Squib are the times she stopped into the golf shop and we talked about golf and life.

      She was always uplifting and she will be missed by many.

      R.I.P Squib

      • Tim Peterson

        One of my favorite people of all time!! She is the one that got me into the TRGA. I hope her spirit will help me with my swing. R.I.P. Squib.

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