Loraine N. Olstadt

VERONA-Loraine N. Olstadt (Monson) has found her peace and is on her long-awaited trip to join her husband, Jack.  Loraine was born on July 8, 1924, in the town of Hamden. She was the daughter of Nelvin and Lyda Monson.   Loraine graduated from Columbus High School in 1941.  Never losing pride in her alma mater, she performed the "Columbus Fight Cheer" well into her eighties.  Loraine married Jack Olstadt in Madison, on September 17, 1945.  She was a homemaker for 18 years, raising her three children, Tom, Bix and Julie.  Later, she joined the ranks as a state worker and served in several divisions through the years.  Loraine attended MATC, where she enrolled in Administrative Assistant course work.  After being promoted to Program Assistant, she began her final 19 years of service with the State Agriculture/Trade and Protection Division.   She was well known in the Department of Agriculture for her cheerful good mornings and positive attitude. Loraine retired from the State in 1986.  After retirement, Loraine enjoyed taking Norwegian rosemaling classes at MATC. She did beautiful work, but she would deny it to all who would admire her pieces!  Loraine participated in several card clubs and bowling leagues through the years.  She also enjoyed fishing, especially trips to Canada with her friend John Henry. Loraine was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Ruth Circle for many years. Loraine's biggest joy in her later life was her dog Shanna.  Loraine enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and especially enjoyed making holidays memorable for all.  From stockings hung a mile long to her signature mini-cheesecakes and meatballs made with love, Christmas Eve at Grandma's was always a night to remember. Loraine is survived by her sons, Tom (Victoria) and Bix (Ruth) and her daughter Julie (Sally) Olstadt; nine grandchildren: Jon (Amber), Jamie (Elaine), Jessica (Ishmael), Joe (Stacy), Christine (Joe), Jeremy (Lynn), Brett, Jared (Kristie) and Angie; and eleven great grandchildren: Nevaeh, Halle, Jack, Esme, Alexis, Cole, Lila, Keeli, Lance, Ishmael Jr. and Luca.  Loraine was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Olstadt, her parents, Nelvin and Lyda Monson, brothers Vernon and Kenny Monson, sister Dorothy Oehlert, great granddaughter Cate Lampe, and several special sisters -and brothers- in- law. Special thanks to Loraine's Rest Haven family for their patience and wonderful care: Lisa, Jody, Deb, Patty, Miriam, Jean, Linda, Jan and Sara, and many others from Rest Haven's Family of Angels.  Thank you to Jen and Eric, formerly of Homestead Living.   Annette Pendleton, thank you for your help and friendship at 602 Ridge St.  Thank you to Shirley Miller, Jean Digney and Lois Frazier for their numerous visits for many years. And thank you, Dr. Albert Musa, and Terri Patwell for the guidance throughout the years.    Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave. Middleton, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2016 with Pastor Mark Oehlert and Judy Bergeson presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed C/O Julie Olstadt, who will distribute according to Loraine's wishes.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.