Barbara Jane Olson

Barbara Jane Olson (Adel), 88, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 9th, 2022 at Froedtert South.

 Barbara was born in Winner, South Dakota on November 8,1933 to the late Lambert W. and Jane A. (Walpole) Adel.

She attended Friedens Lutheran School and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School. She attended UW Whitewater where she met Curt. Barbara married Curtis B. Olson in Waukegan IL on April 13th, 1957, together they had 4 children. 

She was a long time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Barbara was employed with Kenosha Unified Public Schools, retiring in 1994. She was active in her church and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Barbara was an avid reader, antique lover and wonderful cook.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (Kent) Ropella of Wild Rose WI, Elizabeth (Paul) Rugg of Kenosha WI, and Sara (Dan) Chatterton of Kenosha WI, her son Jeffrey (Dani) Olson of Burlington WI, grandchildren, Benjamin (Nicole) Ropella, Jonathan (Shelley) Ropella, Michael (Shannon) Ropella, Matthew (Natalie) Rugg, Emily (Joe) Szabo, Ryan (Megan) Chatterton, Wesley (Laura) Chatterton, Megan Chatterton, Kyle, Alec, Erik and Chad Olson, great grandchildren, William, Charles, and Joseph Ropella, Owen Rugg, Holten, Cullen, Oaklen, Brantley, and Graham Chatterton. She is further survived by her sister in-law Clara Adel of Edmond OK.

She is preceded in death by her husband Curt, parents Lambert and Jane Adel and brother Bill Adel.

Due to the increase of COVID-19 and for the safety of others, services will be limited to family only.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 8760  37th Avenue Kenosha, WI 53142.

Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations

Stephen P. Casey, Owner/Funeral Director

(262) 653-0667

www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com

Thoughts for Barbara Jane Olson;

  • Barbara Drake Fenlon says:

    Dear All,

    I am thinking of you all during this time of loss. I loved her like another mother. She and your father produced a great bunch of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren–not to mention all the in-laws. She loved you all so much and was so proud to show pictures when she was able to come to Cookeville to visit. I am so happy that you all made those last few visits possible. Not many people have friendships that last as long as our mothers’ friendship lasted. To my knowledge, it never wavered.

    I love you all!

    Barbara

  • Patricia thomas says:

    We first met in 1949 home room in the old high school annex and been friends forever.Rest in peace dear Barbara. My deepest sympathy to your family who took such good care of you. Save a place for your friends!
    Patricia Tourtelot Thomas

  • Bill and Barbara were the most loving siblings I have known. They could visit for hours and hours, laughing all the way.
    Barbara was a sister to me, even after we moved to Oklahoma.
    Oh, how she loved to entertain and prepare delicious food……. a wonderful hostess! Her home was filled with lovely antique furniture; so welcoming. Bill and Barbara both were avid readers And gifted each other books at every opportunity.

    Barbara and Bill and their parents are together now, Along with Curt and the whole Adel clan.
    To all of Barbara‘s children, thank you,for caring for your mother so lovingly these last number of years. She was a devout Christian and very confident of her eternal future With her Lord and Savior.

  • Nancy (Evinic) Haman says:

    My deepest sympathy to the loss of your Mom, grandma and great-grandma. It’s been years, but as her first cousin, I have fond memories of get-togethers with your family, from Adel picnics on State Line Road to visiting at Barb’s Kenosha home. She’s dancing with the angels now and all her loved ones that went before her.

    Nancy (Evinic) Haman

  • Louis Lesperance says:

    I met Barbara when I first started teaching full time at Kenosha Unified at Columbus School. She was assigned to be my educational assistant. Thus began an instant lifetime friendship for both of us. There was an instant connection that would persevere for years until her death. I can’t even begin to tell all the adventures, highs and lows of our time together. The stories of her children and grandchildren, life with Curt, dinners out and at her comfy condo, antiquing adventures and just enjoying each other’s company. She was smart, well read, a fantastic chef, fashionista and (most importantly) a terrific mother and grandmother. She will forever be missed and loved by us. The last couple of years may have robbed us of her but her smile, humor and shining spirit will remain always in our hearts. Rest In Peace Barbra, Barb, Bobbie.
    With Love,
    Lou and Susan Lesperance

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