Mary Ann Olson

Mary Ann Olson, age 88, of Eau Claire, formerly of Praag, WI. passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Azura Memory Care in Eau Claire. She was born on May 24, 1925 in Independence, WI a daughter of the late Anton and Emma (Tescher) Sobota. After graduating from Independence High School in 1943, Mary Ann attended the National Youth Association in Eau Claire. She later worked at General Malleable Foundry, Waukesha, WI for one year, making airplane parts during WW II. In 1944 she attended Eau Claire Vocational School. Mary Ann worked at the Eau Claire Book and Stationery for 4 years. Mary Ann was united in marriage to Orville Miller on May 24, 1948. They were blessed with 40 years of marriage and five children. Sadly, Orville preceded Mary Ann in death on February 28, 1988. On June 19, 1994 she married Martial Olson. They were blessed with 7 years of marriage and he preceded her in death on August 24, 2001. Mary Ann and her husband, Orville owned and operated a dairy farm in Praag for many years. She was not only a farmer’s wife but an ardent homemaker and mother. Mary Ann was an avid gardener, dedicated to preserving and freezing her produce. She was also an active member of the Buffalo County Homemakers. This was her social outlet and she collected many recipes over the years. Being part of a religious community was an important part of Mary Ann’s life. Mary Ann was delighted to travel to Poland to explore her heritage. Dancing was also part of her family culture, and she would take every opportunity to enjoy this pastime. She often said she would rather dance than eat. Mary Ann will be remembered as a hard worker, a dedicated wife, mom, grandma and a “dancing fool”. The family would like to thank the kind and dedicated staff of Azura Memory Care for their loving care of Mary Ann during her stay at their facility. Mary Ann will be sadly missed by her three daughters, Kathleen Miller of San Jose, CA , Rebecca (Kim) Nerenhausen of Cairo, Egypt and Susan (John) O’Branovich of Strum; two sons, Dr. Wayne (Patricia) Miller of Durand and Casey (Kay) Miller of Alma; 11 grandchildren; 1great grandchild; nieces and nephews. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, three brothers; Alphonse, Paul and Jerome Sobota and her sister Irene Bill. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel and again on Friday, December 27th, from 9:30 AM until the funeral Mass at 10:30 at the Newman Parish in Eau Claire with Father David Olson as celebrant. Burial will take place at the Alma Memorial Cemetery at 3:00 PM on Friday. Online memories or condolences may be sent to www.talbotfuneralhomes.com