Julia Carrol (Johnson) Olson, age 93, died peacefully at Hillview Healthcare Center on January 9, 2015. She was born to Harry D. Johnson and Elsie I. (Lehrke) Johnson January 30, 1922 in rural Vernon County, Wis.

Carrol graduated from Logan High School in 1939. She met Morris Olson in the late 30’s. In 1942, Morris was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a medical assistant and company clerk. In August, Carrol traveled west and she and Morris were married Aug. 21st, 1942 at Ft. Ord, California, where he was stationed.

In 1944, Morris’ company was shipped to England prior to the D-Day invasion. Carrol returned to La Crosse, where their son, Leslie, was born in 1944.

After the WW II, Carrol and Morris settled in La Crosse, where daughters, Jenelle and Leanna, were born in 1948, and 1952. In 1960 the Olson’s purchased a small business called the Bluff View Motel, and with family help built it up to a first class inn with swimming pool and breakfast bar. Carrol worked the front desk tirelessly, Les helped build the new structures and Leanna and Jenelle worked in the motel. The Bluff View was sold in January, 1971 and Morris retired in 1979.

Carrol was an active person all her life. She was an avid walker, seen most days even in her 80’s, walking with her little dogs Nipper, or Skipper around the neighborhood. She was a Charter member and contributed much to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in the kitchen and as one of the ‘sewing ladies’ who produced hundreds of quilts for charity. She was a friend of Lakeview and Hillview Nursing homes, visiting and helping many shut ins there over the years. She was a faithful companion with Morris on many trips out West for rock collecting, tool shows for the MWTCA and camping at the Quartzite, Arizona flea market. Carrol and Morris traveled many places in retirement, including a trip to China and a tour around the world.

Until her final years, Carrol was constantly busy with sewing and knitting or crocheting. Her hands were never idle but always working to make new things for her children, grandchildren and friends. She prepared many, many fine Norwegian meals and treats for the family. Carrol was a friendly and pleasant person and rarely spoke a cross word to anyone. She lived in their home of 40 years until recently. She is survived by her children; Les Olson (Nancy Alderson), Jenelle (Charles) Lowry, and Leanna (Robert) Olson-Taunt; grandchildren Heidi (Rick) Olson-Streed; Nisse, Kelsey, Ryan Taunt; and Matthew Lowry. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Elsie (Lehrke) Johnson, brothers Ronnie Johnson, Blair, Wis., Lyle Johnson, Sacramento, California and a sister Eileen Britt, Virginia, and an infant daughter, Janine. We will always remember ‘Grandma.’

A private family service is planned. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting with arrangements. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to local charities of your choice.