Rita Ann Olson (Mosser)

Rita Ann (Mosser) Olson, 86 of La Crosse/Onalaska, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, December 5, 2016 at Hillview Health Care Center.

Rita was born August 12, 1930, in La Crosse, to Walter and Anna (Huber) Mosser. She graduated from Aquinas High School in 1949, and then married Gerald P. Olson on October 30, 1954. They were married for 51 years before Gerald passed away March 8, 2006.

Rita created many memories throughout the years. She was a lifetime member of the French Island American Legion Auxiliary Unit. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Tomah VA, as well as, the Mosier Home. Rita enjoyed many, many hobbies including bowling, camping at Neshonoc Campground, knitting and crocheting in preparation for the annual Holiday Fair, of which she participated in for over 40 years. Rita also had a huge love for angels, which she collected for years. Rita worked at the La Crosse Footwear for over 35 years, until she retired in 1992. After Rita retired, she spent as much time as she could with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her four children. Her son, William (Judy) Olson of Holmen, WI. Her three daughters, Cheryl (Michael) Clark of Neenah, WI, Cynthia (Michael) Hanson of La Crosse, WI, and Charlene (William) Sanderson of La Crosse, WI.

Her grandchildren, Phillip (Emily) Hanson of Onalaska, WI, Brian (Heather Recheck) Clark,  Onalaska, WI, Debbie Hanson of Holmen, WI, Troy (Mariah) Olson of La Crosse, WI, Matthew and Andrea Clark of Neenah, WI, Anna (Justin) Jotham of Sparta, WI, and Amber and Brianna Sanderson of La Crosse, WI. As well as, her adopted granddaughter, Natalie Kalmes of Altura, MN.

Her great grandchildren, Autumn, Abbie, and Gavin Hanson, Jonathon, Caleb, Benjamin, and Scott Clark, Tyson and Addisyn Ivy, Libby Leis and Toryann Jotham, Bradley and Madison Boggs, and Kennedy Krueger.

Rita is also survived by two sisters, Carol Weber of Viroqua, WI and Mary Lou Arentz of La Crosse, WI. Her brother, Robert (Carol) Mosser of Holmen, WI. Two sister-in-law’s, Marjorie Johnson and Mabel Olson, both from Onalaska, WI. A brother-in-law, Prentis Sibley of Dallas, Texas and many nieces and nephews.

Rita is proceeded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Gerald P. Olson, and her son, Wayne Alan Olson.

We would like to thank the staff at Hillview and Mayo for helping to care for Rita during her final days.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, December 8, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1030 Main St., Onalaska, WI. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate with Interment to be held in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, La Crosse, WI, and from Noon until the time of Mass on Thursday at Church.