Joanne Mary Olson

Racine – Joanne M. Olson, 79, passed away unexpectedly in Mauston on Tuesday, November 1, 2011. She was born in Madison on April 10, 1932, daughter of the late Edwin and Ann (nee: Sachs) Schembera. Joanne graduated from Madison East High School in 1950. On October 2, 1954, she was united in marriage to Ronald Olson. She and Ronald moved to Racine in 1958.

Joanne retired from the Precise Corporation in 1991 after more than 30 years of service, and then enjoyed working part-time at Tacos el Rey. Joanne loved helping others, and was generous beyond her means. Her devotion to St. Lucy’s Catholic Church was an important part of her life. Joanne also enjoyed taking advantage of fun opportunities such as taking hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and traveling with Ron and her family to northern Wisconsin and the Michigan Upper Peninsula. Joanne was a meticulous organizer and the family historian. She loved the many dogs that she had over the years, but more than anything she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joanne is survived by her children, Mark (Mary) Olson of Racine, and Karen (Chuck) Blair of Mauston; grandchildren, Donavon (Lori) Blair of Racine, Angela Blair of Kendall, and Katherine (fiancé – Aspen Jacobson) Blair of Mauston; great-grandchildren, Andraliese Miller, Alexis Miller, and Addison Blair all of Mauston. She is further survived by her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Terry Huxtable, and Patricia Huxtable both of Madison, and Helen Schembera of Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ron; an infant daughter, Deanna Therese; brother, Robert Schembera; mother-in-law, Audrey Huxtable; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Huxtable.

Memorial services will be held in the funeral home at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 5, 2011 with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Private interment will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. All are invited to visit with the family in the funeral home on Saturday from 11am until the time of the service. Memorials to St. Lucy’s Catholic Church have been suggested.