Obituary
Vivian Maxine (Olson) Turner
Vivian Maxine (Olson) Turner was born on February 22, 1926, at home on the farm. Her parents were Sydney and Ida Olson. She died October 24, 2025, at Shelby Terrace Assisted Living. She was 99 years old.
She graduated from Readstown High School, and University of WI, La Crosse with a degree in teaching. After high school graduation she moved to Milwaukee WI to work as a crane operator during WWII. After the war she returned home to marry Marion Turner. They had six children in ten years! Jeffrey, Michael, Steven, Mary, Gregory, and Philip.
Vivian was fierce and she was most fierce about her love of her family. Tragically she became a Gold Star Mother in 1968 when Michael was killed in Viet Nam, and again when Gregory died of Alzheimer’s in 2024. She was adventurous, she traveled to Europe and 48 states. For many years she made it a practice to try something she had never done before each year. One year she learned to macrame and then made elaborate macrame pieces for every one of her kids. Another time she opened an antique shop and chose a special antique for each of her grandkids. She tried water and snow skiing, and horseback riding.
She loved La Crosse and although she and Marion had some fine times in Florida after he retired, she came back to the four seasons and to be close to loved ones after he died. She was famous for her Norwegian baked goods and did her best to pass this tradition on to her grandkids. The tortuous practice of introducing new family members to lutefisk and lefse was another of her specialties. She had many careers and enjoyed acting, starting businesses, being a travel guide, and curating antiques. When asked to describe Vivian the prevailing adjective is “Class”.
The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 am on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd. La Crosse, WI 4601. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am.
(Excerpt from the movie: “Meet Joe Black”)
“What happens next?”
“I’d like to express my gratitude for you, the person you are and for the time you have given me.
It’s hard to let go, isn’t it?”
“What happens next? Should I be afraid?”
“Not a person like you”
Mary,
So sorry to hear about your mom passing onto heaven. She had a spectacular life and you got to enjoy many good times with her.May you be at peace with her passing and look up and talk to her. Take care~