Eugene "Gene" Olson

Eugene (Gene) Olson, age 82 of Pepin, passed away peacefully at his home on December 2, 2024 surrounded by his beloved family.

Gene was born April 3, 1942 in Pepin, Wisconsin, to Frank and Esther Olson. After graduating from Pepin High School, he attended UW- LaCrosse for one semester and played football for the first time, but needed to return home to care for his parents after his father had surgery. During his return to Pepin, he worked at his cousin’s gas station where he met the love of his life, Jann Harmon. Gene and Jann dated for three and a half years and were married on June 6th, 1964 in Plum City at St. John’s Catholic Church.

After marriage, they moved to the LaCrosse area where he and Jann welcomed three children, finished his degree, and started his teaching career. A man of many talents, Gene also worked as a commercial fisherman, painter and tradesman. In 1972, his heart called him home to Pepin where he accepted a teaching position at Pepin Area Schools and they purchased their forever home. While at Pepin, Gene and Jann welcomed their twin daughters. Gene taught 6th grade for 28 years and started the little league program, which he was the coach and director of for 25 years. He coached almost every sport and was the Athletic Director during his last few years of his career. He taught hunter’s safety for over 25 years and initiated the Pepin Fruit Sale which funded the new elementary playground equipment. Gene was a charter member of the Pepin Lion’s Club over 50 years ago and was involved in countless fundraisers that the Lions would use to give back to the community. Gene was a type 1 diabetic for 60 years and was a huge supporter for JDRF.

His hobbies included golfing, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and watching his kids and grandkids countless activities. He and Jann would never miss an event. He was known by his grandkids(and their friends) as “Bumpa”. Gene was an enthusiastic supporter of the Pepin/Alma Eagles. Their 50th wedding anniversary vow renewal and their 60th anniversary party this past summer were cherished memories. Gene loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He had countless friends and would ALWAYS run into someone that he knew no matter where he was at.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Jann; son and three daughters, Mike (Sherie), Paula Taylor(Peter), Amanda Ellefsen (Sean), Andrea Ellenberger (Nick); sister, Charlotte; eight grandchildren; Jacob (Sarah), Kathryn (Tim), Addison, Evan, Autumn, Amelia, Emerson, Ryan; one great grandchild; Wrenley. He is preceded in death by his first son; Jeffrey; his parents Frank and Esther and his sister Sandy.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pepin with burial to follow in Oakwood Pepin Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6 at Talbot Funeral Home in Alma from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and from 10:30-12:00 at Immanuel Lutheran prior to the service. Luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall. Talbot Funeral Home is directing.

Family welcomes everyone to wear Eagle or Packer gear for Friday night. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pepin Booster Club to help support our athletics and for student scholarships.

“Where there is deep grief, there was great love”.

Please share your memory of Gene or express your words of sympathy for his family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com.