LaVern Clifford Olson

MONONA - LaVern C. “Vern” Olson, age 83, of Monona, passed into eternal life on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at McFarland Villa Assisted Living. He was born on May 24, 1938, in Madison, the son of Clifford and Ovedia (Gjermo) Olson. Vern enjoyed his high school and early adult years playing piano and tap dancing, where he traveled with his brother across the country participating in piano and dance competitions. Along with being a talented piano player, he also enjoyed rebuilding pianos, and had the knack for tuning a piano by ear. Vern was artistic and very creative. He loved to spend time near the water where he liked to canoe, kayak, camp, and fish-always wanting to toss in a line hoping to catch a fish or two. His most beloved times were those spent with his family, especially when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along. They were the light of his life. Vern is survived by his two daughters, Tammy (James Green) Olson of McFarland and Toni (Tom) Dorn of Spring Hill, Fla.; son, Todd (Lori Haggerty) Olson; grandchildren, Tom Schwersinske, Timothy (Kelley) Schwersinske, Nichole Dorn, and Nicholas and Angela Runge; great-grandchildren, Jianna, Jayla, Josh, Ivy, Kane, Aliyanna and Jada; mother of his children, Penny Olson; and special friend, Yvonne Hobbs. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Arlys (Monte) Kravik; brother, Hutson Olson; and wife, Suzanne Olson; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. If you knew Vern, you know that his sparkling blue eyes, charismatic personality, spirited laugh and cherished stories would light up a room. Special thanks to the staffs at McFarland Villa Assisted Living and Agrace Hospice Care for their outstanding care and compassionate support of our dad and grandpa Vern. Funeral services will be held at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 9, 2021. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial to be held following services at Lake Ripley Cemetery, Cambridge, WI. Memorials may be gifted in Vern’s name to McFarland Villa Assisted Living or Agrace Hospice Care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420