Darlene Yvonne Olson

Darlene Yvonne Olson, age 75 of Markesan, passed away at her home with loving family at her side on Thursday, June 8, 2017.

Darlene was born on July 14, 1941, in Kimberly, WI, a daughter of Robert and Vernetta (Harke) Ewer, Sr. On January 26, 1963, she married the love of her life, Clyde Olson in Minneapolis, MN. She attended beauty school and was a hairdresser for many years. Darlene and Clyde owned and operated a bowling alley in Granite Falls, Minnesota and in 1992, moved to Markesan. For 25 years Darlene and Clyde owned and operated Prairie Lanes in Markesan. Darlene enjoyed sharing her home during the Victorian Tea Parties where she decorated, cooked and was the greeter and historian for hundreds of guests. She was also a greeter, cook and took care of anything else that needed attention during the old time dances at Prairie Lanes. Her efforts were recongnized as the "Bonnie and Clyde's Polka Palace" was inducted into the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame. In her free time she enjoyed going to the casino, cooking, baking, sewing, polka dancing and tending to her flower garden. Darlene was very passionate about her family, she adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a very giving, hard working and selfless woman who took pride in everything she did.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Clyde Olson; three children, Clyde Alan (Susie) Olson, Amy Jo (Tom) Olson-Lundin and Susie Marie Olson (Joe Schlies); grandchildren, Nicole (Tomas) Skinner, Kathryn (Tom) Olson, Danielle Olson, Amanda Marie (David) Coulter, Michael Anthony “Mac” (Melissa) Coulter, Megan (Logan) Kruger, Malory Jo Ludolph, Keegan Randt (Kendra) and Jennifer Halloway; 9 great grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Helen) Ewer Jr., Nancy (Frank) Cynor, Diane Birch, Linda Walsvig, Cindy Schulz, Pamela Ewer and Charlie Ewer; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Charles and Henrietta Olson; brothers-in-law, Harvey Birch, Clarence Walsvig and Lynn Freeman Olson.

Visitation for Darlene will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Markesan Community Funeral Home, 868 North Margaret Street, Markesan and from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 64 West Catherine Street, Markesan.

A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church.

A memorial fund has been established in Darlene’s name.