Obituary
Bonne Fidika Olson
Bonne Fidika Olson, 85, of Onalaska, WI passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 18, 2024, with her loving family at her side.
Bonne was born September 15, 1938, in La Crosse, WI to Paul and Hazel Fidika. She spent her childhood in the Coulee region, where she enjoyed being by the water and surrounded by nature. This would set the foundation of one of the core pillars she would live by: her devoted love of nature and birds.
She began her career in education by attending State Teacher’s College and graduated to become a passionate educator at Onalaska High School, teaching for over 40 years. While teaching others, she continued her own education, earning her master’s degree in education, along with many other accolades in various fields and subjects.
While at college, in addition to her core Math curriculum, she studied and excelled in genetics, art appreciation, and botany. She held these interests throughout her life with a lifelong love of gardening, nature, and traveling the world to see art.
However, with all her accomplishments and master’s degree, she never quite managed to master some skills, like using an iPhone.
While teaching brought her great joy, nothing could compare to the joy we all witnessed while she taught her children and grandchildren. Her greatest accomplishments and joys were her family, with her last trip several days prior to death being a drive to Minnesota to meet her newest great-grandchild.
She is survived by her loving partner of 36 years, David Ruder, with whom she shared many adventures around the world; her daughters: Keri, Susan, and Leslie; her grandchildren: Reid, Griffin, Sydney, Morgan, Blake, and Melissa; and her great-grandchildren: Noah, Maxwell, and Olivia.
Her supportive sisters, Bette and Gail, her nieces, nephews, and extended family will continue to carry on her bright spirit and joyful energy, as well as the many cherished friends she made over the years through book clubs, Bible studies, kayaking, and many other adventures and activities.
Her family, friends, and loved ones will keep her passions alive: love of nature, education, and most importantly: family.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI. Memorials will be directed to the Onalaska High School to allow current and future students to benefit from her passion for learning.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
I’m so sorry to hear about your Moms passing, always enjoyed seeing and talking to her as did my Mom and sisters. Truly was a wonderful and well loved lady💐
Deb,
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. Our families were woven together for so many years and such an integral part of my childhood. And our mothers were fast friends for many years after we left the neighborhood. I think of Susie and Julie often. I imagine they are having a great time celebrating together above.
Susan
She was my Favorite Teacher, just the Best!!!!!!!
One of .y favorite teachers and Pom Pom advisors. She remained a part of my life for many years after I graduated. Thank you for everything.
Marilyn,
I had completely forgotten that Mom was one of the Pom Pom advisors – thank you for bringing that memory forward! I was never talented enough to try out, but so enjoyed watching the practices and I know she loved it!
I’m glad that you stayed connected with her – she had a way of finding and catching up with her students.
Thank you for that memory. Susan
Craig,
Her passion for teaching and for touching the lives of those she interacted with knew no bounds. I was frequently amazed at how she could remember the names (and probably the grades) of the students she taught when meeting up with them years later.
She was the best. Thank you.
Susan
My condolences to your family. Mrs. Olson was an excellent teacher and a classy lady. May she rest in peace.
John,
Thank you. It’s nice to be reminded of the impact she had on so many lives. And she learned from her students too. Perhaps that does set the standard for excellence. We so appreciate your sentiments.
Susan
Bonne and I taught math together at OHS for 30 years. She was very dedicated to teaching her students math and life skills. Ever the perfectionist, when she started the pom pom squad, she had them practice for one full year before allowing them to perform at a basketball game. A great model for the younger generation! To Keri, Leslie, and Susan – you had a great loving mom.
Mrs. Mills,
The two of you made a dynamic teaching team. I know that she valued you as a colleague, mentor, and most importantly, as a friend. She was the perfectionist – always encouraging us to go one step higher and learn one more thing. She herself continued to learn and educate in so many ways after she retired. And she loved us unconditionally – supporting us but allowing us to live our lives. I will truly miss her.
Thank you for your kind words. Susan
Mrs Olson – One of the best! She portrayed so much kindness that it shined through the halls of OHS. Some people hang around in the hearts of others and she definitely was that lady. So sorry for your loss however she left a true legacy behind her.
Kim (Simon) Butler ❤️❤️
Oh, Kimberly, this makes my heart sing. What an absolutely beautiful testimonial. To be remembered for “kindness” is a true nod to her character and the person she was. She left footprints on my heart which will stay with me always.
Thank you so much. Susan
Condolences to Bonnie’s family. What a beautiful legacy she has.
Thank you, Audrey. We thought she was pretty special!
Susan
Bonnie was the Best! She helped and Emm encouraged me in math! Never thought I would make it through Algebra! I will always remember her pleasantness and smile. A very kind lady. Than I worked with Leslie!!
Curt,
I understand the math encouragement and making it through Algebra. I struggled with it myself. Then she told me, “it’s teaching you to think”. That simple comment made all the difference. And that loving, understanding smile, was simply the best.
Susan
Kent and I always enjoyed our time with Bonne during her Arizona visits. We loved her smile and fun energy! Feel so blessed to have known her and love all of the family she brought forth very much. Sending our love,
Mary and Kent
Mary and Kent,
You have been true friends for so many years, supporting our family through many trials and tribulations. She loved the time she spent with Keri in Arizona, and most importantly, the friends, like you, that she made, nurtured and adored while she was there. Sending our love back to you for always being there for us. Susan
My condolences to all on the passing of this special woman. It has been several years since we last spoke. Our connection was through her Aunts and cousins (Kay and Jim). Kay made sure that I knew of her passing.
RIP Bonne
Bonnie was a great neighbor. We always enjoyed visiting with her, She excelled as a teacher and is remembered by many students. Our sympathy to you all.
Bonnie was a great lady and she was my algebra teacher and also my pom-pom advisor, at Onalaska high school. Actually, I think she’s my second cousin. My Dad. Ernie Gilbertson’s first cousin. RIP Bonnie! You will be sadly missed! Love you!