Roger D. Olson

Roger D. Olson, 78, of Westby, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on November 30th, 2021, at Vernon Memorial Hospital. He was surrounded by his family. His devotion to his family and his firm faith in God defined his character. He will be greatly remembered for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand.

Roger was born to Tilford and Avis (Volden) Olson in Viroqua, WI, on July 24th, 1943. On October 6th, 1962, he married the love of his life, Shirley Rognstad. Together they celebrated 59 years of marriage and raised 4 children: Mark, Bruce, Jeffrey, and Angela.

For many years, Roger managed the Taylor Lumber Company in Westby. He later had jobs at Walmart in Viroqua and Chart Industries in LaCrosse. He served many years on the Westby Fire Department and Westby City Council. After retirement, he worked part-time as a taxi driver in Westby. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s many activities. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. His other enjoyments in life included deer hunting, fishing, camping, playing Rook with relatives, and woodworking. Roger attended Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby where his faith grew stronger through his love of the Lord Jesus Christ. He loved to spend time with his church family. He served on the church trustee and cemetery boards.

Roger is survived by his wife Shirley; his children Mark (Greta) Olson, Bruce (Kerri) Olson, Jeffrey (Willow) Olson, and Angela (David) Roethel; 13 grandchildren, Brock, Melaney and Lydia Olson, Tyler, Zachary (Olivia) and Chelsea Olson, Rebekah (Nick) Lind, Chenoa (Matt) Wyman, Chloe Cox, and Gabrielle Cox, Joseph, Bethany and Benjamin Roethel; and one great-grandchild Benaiah Lind.  He is further survived by his siblings Ellsworth (Ardith) Olson, Vivian (Paul) Kadousek, Thomas (Carol) Olson, Dennis (Pam) Olson, and Michael (Ida) Olson.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Michael John, Telmer, and Paul; and a sister, Gertrude.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday December 6th, 2021 at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby. A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. Pastor Paul Tjelta will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.