Beatrice Olson

Beatrice Jane Olson, 94, passed away December 11, 2012 at the Benedictine Living Center in Spooner, Wisconsin. She was born August 13, 1918 to Jess and Lucy (Dean) Gatten in Danbury. Beatrice was a graduate of Webster High School and Superior Teacher’s College. She taught for several years in one-room schoolhouses in the Danbury area. In April, 1942 she married Donald Olson. For more than 35 years Beatrice was a farm wife and active in many community activities, such as Homemakers’ Club, Ladies Aid at the Markville Presbyterian Church, and the League of Women Voters. She helped found the Webster Library and, in her 80s, led a current events club at school. She was a member of the Danbury United Methodist Church. Beatrice is survived by daughters Kathy Swingle, Patty (Tom) Frandy, Merry (Jim) Krautkramer, Donna (Paul) Armstrong, Ruth (Mark Wagler) Olson and by sons Larry (Crystal Phillips) and David (Susan) Olson, by sister Ardath Gatten and brothers Ted (Mary Lee) Gatten and Neil (Anna Faye) Gatten and sister-in-law Myra Gatten. She is further survived by grandchildren Keith (Mary) Swingle, Christine (Jay) Novak, John (Jennifer) Frandy, Tim (Liz Reuter) Frandy, Jesse (Kristin Snell) Krautkramer, Matt (Sarah) Olson, Dan (Heidi) Olson, Wes (Marjie Hickman) Olson, Jack (Kitty) Wagler, Cassie Wagler, E.B. Olson, Asa Olson, 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Donald Olson, her parents Jess and Lucy Gatten, brothers Dennis Gatten, Preston Gatten, and Bob Gatten, sisters Edrie Phernetton and Blythe Bejlovec and son-in-law David Swingle. Memorials may be given to the Danbury United Methodist Church.