Service Details
The celebration of her life will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio St., on Friday, November 11th, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be in church that day from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. To view Myrna’s celebration of life via live-stream, please click the link https://youtu.be/eVY5UdIxU6c
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers you may make a memorial in Myrna’s memory to one of the following:
Halo, The Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization, 2000 DeKoven Ave. Racine, WI 53403
Kids First Fund of the Racine Community Foundation, 1135 Warwick Way Racine, WI 53405
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio St. Racine, WI 53405
Myrna Marie (Kloster) Olsen was born on June 12, 1936, in Fredonia Township, Plymouth County, Iowa, daughter of Nick and Maria (Soe) Kloster and passed on October 22, 2022, in Prior Lake, MN, where she lived at McKenna Crossing since 2019. After graduating from LeMars, IA, high school in 1954, Myrna worked for Wells Blue Bunny Company in LeMars and Worthington, MN, and for the Parish Education Department of the American Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. While raising their children, Myrna had a sewing business. Finally, focusing on finance, she served as outreach staff to Esther Letven at UW-Parkside.
Myrna married Dwayne Olsen on June 6, 1964. Their children are Eric Olsen, Belvidere, IL; Ellen (Sue Snyder), St Paul, MN; and Kristin (Fabrizio Moroso) Prior Lake, MN. She is also survived by her loving and patient husband of 58 years, Dwayne, five grandchildren: Nicole (Kent) Toepfer, Sun Prairie, WI; Daniel Olsen, Racine, WI; and Capt. Sarina (Benjamin) Edwards, East Grand Forks, MN; Ryan and Nathan Moroso, Prior Lake, MN; and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Ardythe Schultz of LeMars, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband’s parents, Gustav and Zelma Olsen, and her sister Phyllis Krumrey, Des Moines, IA.
While raising their children, Myrna participated in a variety of activities, including senior choir, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ankeny, IA, and Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Racine, WI. She also worked with Lois Pedersen in mentoring an extended family of Vietnamese refugees and Betty Bidstrup in a senior’s group. In Racine she had a sewing business in her home and then worked as a bookkeeper at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha. In retirement, Myrna continued to be active at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection and in traveling with Dwayne. Special thanks to the staff and residents of McKenna Crossing for their care and fellowship.
Myrna has been described as spicy, spunky, strong, and sweet. She was nourished and driven by her faith, family and friends. She showed her love through baking, handmade quilts, and a multitude of church activities. She was an avid sports fan of the Packers, Brewers, and especially her kids & grand-kids. After family or friends would visit, Myrna stood at the front door and waved until her loved ones drove out of sight. Myrna gave her final wave goodbye on Saturday, October 22, 2022, surrounded by her beloved family.
Ben, Sarina, Quinton and Jameson Edwards says
We love you, Grandma! Thank you for raising the best family. See you in heaven.
Jim Schneider says
Mr. Olsen, Eric, Ellen and Kristin
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom blessed so many with her faith and kindness. I pray you find comfort in your memories of her and knowing that others will miss her, too.
I know I will cherish our Sunday morning hugs at church, and catching up on each of our families.
Thinking of you all.
Cheryl Byron says
Myrna was a significant influence in my life for which I will always be grateful. She warmly opened her home and her heart to my sister and I and made the best oatmeal chocolate chip cake ever! I learned a lot from her about the person I want to be in the world.
Sending much love to Dwayne, Kristin, Ellen and the rest of the family. She will not be forgotten. Her spirit is still very much with us.
Kathy Heyse says
Dwayne and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Myrna’s passing. She was a breath of fresh air at the RSDC and always provided such positive suggestions.
May all of you rejoice in your wonderful memories.
Maeluna Correlo says
My deepest condolence. It was a pleasure that I was given the opportunity to take care of her. Myrna is a lovely person and I will surely miss our jokes. She will always be in my heart. My prayers to you and the whole family.
Tom & Sarah Brusky says
We are sending our prayers and love to you Dwayne and your entire family! Myrna was a gem…tough, tireless, supportive and loving. I was honored to have worked with her on a number of committees at LCR. Heaven gained a special angel. May God give you comfort and strength.
Pauline Mitchell says
Dwayne Olsen and Family,
It was always a pleasure to talk with Myrna on many of the occasions we had at meetings at your home and public functions. She was a gracious hostess and so proud of her family.
May you be comforted as you reflect on Myrna’s memory.
Marie Stevens says
We miss you dear Myrna🙏✝️❤️
Diane Tenuta says
Dr. Olsen and family, Please accept my condolences. I only met Myrna a few times, always beside Dwayne. She was very kind and gracious. I will be keeping her and you all in my prayers.
Ruth Tylock says
I worked with Myrna at Parkside and have many fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Jackie and Tom Nelson says
Dwayne and family,
We are sending prayers and our sympathy. When Tom and I first joined Resurrection, Myrna always made a point of saying hello and making us feel welcome. She had a lot of spunk and contributed in many ways to enhance life at Resurrection.
God’s comfort and blessing to all of you.
Courtney and Mark Marlaire says
Our sympathies to Dwayne and all the family. Myrna was a wonderful, kind, thoughtful and lovely person. In my twenty years at UW-Pakside she was constant source of wisdom and support. I’m very thankful that I knew her. Love to all.
Mary Mollerskov says
Dwayne, I’m so sorry to hear you have lost your dear wife Myrna. I didn’t know her, but she sounds like an extremely active and loved person in all her communities.
I wish you peace with her passing, and love abounding with your family around you,
Much love, Mary Mollerskov