Marcella “Marcie” Olson

Marcella “Marcie” Olson, 87, a resident of Woodruff, passed away in peace on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. She was born on December 10, 1936, in Chicago, to parents Marcello and Alice Boggetto marking the next generation of a life filled with the rich tapestry of Italian culture. Marcie attended Fenger High School and later worked at Illinois Bell Telephone for 11 years where she met her future husband, Clarence “Olie” Olson.

The two married on July 9, 1965, and in 1978, they made their home in Lake Tomahawk, where they raised their boys and built a life filled with cherished memories of snowmobiling, cheering on snow-shoe baseball, and watching the Lake Tom 4th of July parade and fireworks.

Marcie joyfully greeted customers who walked through the doors of Ross’s Sportswear, JJ’s Acres, and Finders Keepers Antiques in Minocqua. Her desire to connect with others created an atmosphere of warmth and belonging in every store she touched reminding us that the true essence of retail lies not in the transaction, but in the power of human connection. As an active member of the Circle of Women at Holy Family Catholic Church, she discovered a profound sense of purpose in her interactions with others. Her volunteer work at the Howard Young Medical Center also allowed her to pour her heart into serving her community, a true testament to her compassionate spirit.

Marcie’s heart overflowed with an unshakable love for her family. She reveled in the presence of her children and grandchildren, fueling the very essence of her being. Whether cheering from the stands, watching from her iPad, talking on the phone, or sending a text, Marcie’s unwavering devotion knew no bounds. She was her grandchildren’s biggest fan and their constant companion on the winding paths of life reminding them of the importance of “old-school values.” In Marcie’s world, her loved ones were the center of her universe, the very heartbeat that kept her own heart alive and thriving.

Her Italian heritage was woven into the fabric of her life, the kitchen a sanctuary where she gathered with loved ones, a place that held a special significance. She embraced the richness of each moment, finding solace in the small things that brought her comfort and joy. She loved reading, solving crossword puzzles, and tending to her beloved flowers and bird feeders. Music and dancing brought her immense joy, and she was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers.

Marcie’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith and will live on through the lives she touched and the memories she created. Marcie was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Olie. Her children survive her: Craig (Shellie) Olson, Gary (Kim) Olson; grandchildren: Nathan, Ashley, Aaron, Cody, Brent; and further survived by family including Tom (Roberta) Johnson, Jon (Jan) Johnson, Mary Jo (Joe) Perry, Rick Novak (godson) and a close-knit network of friends and neighbors who were more like family.

As Marcie’s final years drew to a close, she was enveloped in the warmth and kindness of countless nurses, doctors, and medical professionals. Our family will forever cherish the unwavering support and empathy shown by the dedicated staff at the Marshfield Clinic Emergency Room. They provided Marcie with the utmost care, comfort, patience, and respect, honoring her dignity in her most vulnerable moments.

Her story is a testament to the power of love, faith, and community. She will be deeply missed, but her always-positive spirit and strength will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation for Marcie will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with a Funeral Mass at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or The American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.