Kay Olson

On the morning of Friday, November 18, 2022, at the age of 76, Kay passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side.  

Kay Frances (Swistak) Olson was born in Cook County, Ill. on April 28, 1946, to Peter and Thelma (Day) Swistak. At the age of two, the family moved north to Rhinelander. Kay graduated from Rhinelander Union High School in 1964 and the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh in 1968. She renewed her acquaintance with Wayne Olson when she returned to teach in Rhinelander. They were married on May 31, 1969. The couple moved to Green Bay where she taught school for several years before returning to Rhinelander for Wayne to do his apprenticeship in barbering. After subbing for a couple years, Kay started a home day care. When her kids were school-age, Kay started working for Camp Fire. She was program director and then became executive director, serving 18 years in the program. She then began doing homebound teaching while still with Camp Fire, finally retiring from teaching after 14 years.

Kay enjoyed playing bells with the First United Methodist Church bell choir. She also taught Sunday School, Confirmation, and was involved with the church finance committee, and other church missions.

Her family was the most important thing in her life, cherishing every moment she spent with them. She attended all her kids and grandkid’s activities and was a Camp Fire Leader for both April and Brent’s clubs, having the opportunity to have many interesting adventures with them both. Although her kids and grandkids were the center of her world, she also treasured laughing with her niece, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Kay enjoyed making crafts as much as she enjoyed giving them away. Having always enjoyed cooking, sharing the skill with her grandchildren was a special blessing. She also loved playing games of any kind, especially card games. A love she inherited from her mother.

Kay is survived by her husband, Wayne, daughter, April (Rob) Denis, son, Brent Olson, grandsons, Shawn Denis and Paul Denis, all of Rhinelander, and niece, Stacey Willis of Osceola, Wis., as well as a sister-in-law, Diane Olson, and other nieces and nephews.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Lucille (Swistak) Willis.

The Olson family would like to extend a special thank you to all the hospice caregivers for their kindness, compassion, and their comfort for Kay and for the family.

The visitation for Kay will take place on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at Rhinelander First United Methodist Church, located at 724 Arbutus Street from 2 p.m. until the 4 p.m. memorial service. 

Inurnment will take place at Northland Memorial Park, at a later date.

Everyone who knew Kay, knew her favorite color was purple.

 In memory of Kay, please wear purple to her service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guest book or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.