JANESVILLE/LODI - Pauline “Polly” Josephine Olsen, age 98, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Our House - Janesville with her family by her side.

Polly one of seven children born to John and Catherine (Ganser) Clemens, on May 11, 1926, in Town of Vienna, Wis. The family later moved to a farm in Lodi, Wis., where they lived and worked through the Great Depression and World War II.

Polly graduated from Lodi High School with the class of 1944. On January 26, 1950, she married Arnold “Ole” Olsen, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Lodi. Together they worked their farm in the Town of West Point raising nine children and the “famous Olsen’s sweet corn”. He preceded her in death in 2008.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The aromas that came from her kitchen was a testament to her love of cooking and baking. Bringing up nine children, Polly was very proficient at mending and darning the clothes the kids wore out. In her later years, Polly enjoyed her time painting art but loved most spending time with her family.

Polly is survived by three sons, Jim (Jean) Olsen, Don (Liz) Olsen, and Tom (Jean) Olsen; three daughters, Ann Hale, Kathy (Bill) Elver, Sue (Jay) Prentiss; 23 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Ole, she was preceded in death by her parents; three sons, Paul, John, and Dan Olsen; great granddaughter, Zya; two sisters, Dolores Ness and Mary Smith; four brothers, Jerome "Jerry" Clemens, Joe Clemens, Leo Clemens and Vincent Clemens.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST MAXIMILIAN KOLBE PASTORATE AT ST. PATRICK CHURCH LODI, 521 Fair St, Lodi, at 11:30 am on Saturday February 22, 2025, with Fr. Simon Tipps presiding. Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with family led Rosary at 3:30 pm on Friday, February 21, 2025, and also at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the Mass on Saturday.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Pauline Josephine Olsen

May 11, 1926 - February 06, 2025

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