Thoralf "Tug" M. Olson

Thoralf "Tug" M. Olson, 88, formerly of Coon Valley passed away peacefully at his home Friday April 2, 2010 with his family at his side. He was born October 1, 1921 to Sigurd and Adleida (Hofslien) Olson in Westby. Tug was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Esofea. He graduated from Viroqua High School in 1939. Tug enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1941. Following basic training in Biloxi, Miss., he completed Air Force Supply School in Fort Logan, Colorado. Tug was assigned to the Army Air Force Transport Command in London, England. While in London, Tug met and married his wife of 65 years Annie (Roberts). After World War II, Tug returned home to Coon Valley where they farmed. He also worked at Norplex in La Crosse for 25 years. Tug served on the Board of Directors of the Vernon County Farm Bureau and was a 64 year member of the Coon Valley American Legion Post #116 where he served as commander.

Survivors include his wife, Annie; 4 daughters Linda (D.K.) Del Fabro of Carmel, Indiana, Pamela (Jim) Padesky of Coon Valley, Signe Susdorf of La Crosse and Susan Parshall of Sparta; 12 grandchildren; one step-granddaughter, 15 great grandchildren and a brother-in-law Richard "Dick" Roberts, along with many relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother LeRoy; a son Anthony; a son-in-law Ronald Rudie and a special uncle Oscar.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday April 6, 2010 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate with burial in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, rural La Crosse. Military honors will be conducted by the Coon Valley American Legion Post #116. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until service time. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Online condolences at selandsfuneralhome.com. Memorials are preferred to the Coon Valley Lutheran Church or the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Hospice Program.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all who have helped or given in any way. In lieu of sending thank yous, the family will make a donation to the Freedom Honor Flight Program.