Sturtevant- Kathie Marie (nee: Gates) Olson, 68, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Friday, September 9, 2011.

Kathie was born in Mondovi, WI on December 29, 1942 to the late Gerald and Ruth (nee: Schreiner) Gates. She was a graduate of Gilmanton High School.

After fulfilling her dream of being a fulltime mother, she went on to be employed in the deli of Piggly Wiggly on Grove Avenue, from where she retired. Among her interests, she enjoyed painting figurines and assembling jigsaw puzzles. Above all, she loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family.

Surviving are her loving companion of 16 years, Ken Schilke of Sturtevant; children, Shayne (Patricia Falbo) Olson of River Falls; Tamra (Bob Feest) Berens of Racine; and Nathan (Heather Cornelius) Olson of Lemoore, CA; grandchildren, Jacob and Jared Olson; Justin, Emily and Hailey Berens; Nathan Jr., Cameron, Cristin and Lauren Olson; sisters, Sally (John) Brady and Mary (Tom) Underwood; brother, Gerald (Cindy Johnson) Gates; sisters-in-law, Jane (Jerry) Schultz, Dixie (Pete) Koucerek, LuAnne (Loren Jolson) Olson and Joyce Boutell; brothers-in-law, Mark (Tammi) Olson and Davey (Wendy) Olson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to her parents, Gerald and Ruth Gates, Kathie was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Olson; and by Dean's parents, Earl and Chloe Olson; brothers-in-law, Dennis and James Olson; and sisters-in-law, Kay Jaquish and Bonnie Lindmeyer.

Funeral services will held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 9 – 10:30 am. In memory of Kathie, memorials to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the American Kidney Fund have been suggested.