“In Memoriam” listings are expanded obituaries, phrased exactly as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Cleo M. Olsen
Cleo M. Olsen, 90, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Thursday, June 11, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, John W. Olsen. After being a wife, homemaker and mother raising four children on the family farm, Cleo worked along with her husband on the farm until their retirement in the spring of 1993.
Cleo was born to Jennie Ruth (Kelsey) and Henry Love McFadden, Jan. 25, 1919, on the family farm north of Marion. Cleo was the youngest of six children: Bessie, Harriet Conrod, Lawrence, Ronald and Clifford “Tip” all preceded her in death.
After graduating from Marion High School in 1937, Cleo worked for the ASC office in Marion for four years. She married John Willard Olsen on Oct. 29, 1941. They began their married life on the family farm, three miles west of Marion.
Four children were born to this union: Barry (Jean) Olsen of Oviedo, Florida; John “Bob” (Mary) Olsen of Camarillo, Calif.; Bradley (Cheryl) Olsen of Windom; and Nancy (Marlin) Miller of Wichita.
During this time, Cleo was known as one of the best cooks around, as she served noon meals to farmers at the family home, and afternoon lunch breaks in the fields. After raising the children, Cleo became an active partner in farming and was known to spend many hours on the tractor in the fields along-side her husband John.
Cleo was a lifelong member of Valley United Methodist Church. She was an active part of the kitchen committee and served the Lord by assisting and cooking for many church activities including Thanksgiving meals, Election Day soup suppers and funeral luncheons.
Cleo is survived by her four children; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation was from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Zeiner Funeral Home in Marion. Funeral service was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at Valley United Methodist Church in Marion with Pastor Phil Smith officiating.
Memorial funds have been established with Hospice Care of Kansas and the Salem Home of Hillsboro in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Marion KS 66861.