Thelma J. Olson

Thelma Olson, 84, of Rib Mountain, passed away on July 4, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Thelma was born to Albert and Jane (Watterston) Damm, now deceased, on November 20, 1938, in Stetsonville, Taylor County, WI.  She attended Pleasant Valley School in the Township of Deer Creek,  and graduated from Medford High School and then attended the Taylor County Teachers College in Medford.  Excited to begin teaching, she taught first and second grades in the Town of Holway, Stetsonville, WI. 

Thelma married Galen G. Olson on July 18, 1959, at Zion Lutheran Church, Stetsonville, WI, who survives.  She and her sister-in-law Karen owned and operated Olson Floor Covering of Wausau, Inc., doing business as Olson Carpet One Floor and Home. Thelma managed and worked in sales for Carpet One for many years, retiring in 2020.

Thelma was a charter member of Rib Mountain Lutheran Church and served as a volunteer teaching Vacation Bible School, Pre-School, and Midweek Bible lessons for over 19 years.  Thelma enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens. She liked sewing clothes, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery, along with counted cross stitch. Thelma enjoyed traveling,  painting ceramics, and reading books. Mostly she loved spending time with her family. 

Thelma and Galen had three children who survive: Gail Olson, Todd Olson, and Jill (Steve) Wirkus. Five grandchildren: Rachel (Austin) Hursh, Christine (Adam) Bork, Luke (Shana Kloth) Olson, Collin (Olivia Roeske Kretzer) Wirkus and Morgan (Tyler Baran) Wirkus, and five great grandchildren: Natalie, Jayden, and Melody Bork, and Charlie and Adam Hursh.  Thelma is further survived by her brothers: Robert (Judy) Damm, Rev. George (Nancy) Damm, Alfred Damm, and sisters in law: Judith (Russell) Stollfuss,  Marjo Hughes, and Pam Damm and brothers in law: Ronald (Karen) Olson, and Marvin Ingersoll, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Thelma was predeceased by her parents; sister, Betty Jane Ingersoll, brothers: Donald and Albert Damm, sister-in-law Jean (Herbert) Schilling and niece, Deanna Ingersoll.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 11th from 9 AM - 11 AM at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church, 227150 Harrier Avenue (formerly Eagle Avenue). A funeral service celebrating Thelma's life will follow at 11 AM at the church with Pastor Tim Swanson officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Helke Funeral Home of Wausau has been entrusted with arrangements. 

Thelma's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Aspirus Palliative Care for the wonderful and loving care given to her and the family. Additionally they would like to thank Pastor Swanson and the church community for their support and prayers.