Barbara A. Olp

Barbara A. Olp

November 28, 1931 - June 04, 2024

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Obituary

SUN PRAIRIE - Barbara A. Olp, age 92, of Sun Prairie, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Sun Prairie Health Care Center. She was born on Nov. 28, 1931, in Fond Du Lac, Wis., the daughter of Martin and Bessie (Smith) Bal.


Barbara graduated from Waupun High School in 1949. She lived in Waupun until her marriage in 1951 at Fort Gordon, Ga., where she lived for a year, employed by the federal government. She moved to Madison in 1953 at which point she took some time away from working to raise her family. She returned to work in 1969 at Central Wisconsin Center, where she was employed as a bookkeeper.


Barbara was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and its Visitation Ministry. She loved life and she loved nature, especially flower gardening. She enjoyed traveling with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sewing, crafts and music. Barbara was a long-distance cyclist and loved hiking along the ocean in Florida. As she so aptly put it, "I dearly love my children, their spouses, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I am so happy I have been able to see my grandchildren grow into fine adults. I am so proud of all of them. God Bless! Enjoy every day that you have. Take one day at a time and enjoy life. Life goes by fast."


Barbara is survived by her children, Cindy (Gary) Anderson, Mike (Carol) Olp, Pat Farnsworth and Steve (Patti) Olp; nine grandchildren, Jenny (Zach) Raby, Jessica Anderson, Katie (Luke) Murphy, Alex (Madison) Olp, Matthew Olp, Andrew Koltz, Martin (Liz) Koltz, Holly (Tom) Knapp and Nick (Jocasta) Olp; and ten great-grandchildren, Samantha Raby, Aspen Raby, Maya Raby, Amelia Murphy, Brock Murphy, Violet Olp, James Koltz, Anna Koltz, Pippa Olp and Marisol Knapp. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Dorothy Vroman.  

 

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, with the Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barbara's name to Olbrich Botanical Gardens or Messiah Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420


Events

14
Visitation
Fri Jun 14, 2024 @ 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
14
Memorial Service
Fri Jun 14, 2024 @ 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
14
Luncheon After Service
Fri Jun 14, 2024 @ 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

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Memories

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Barbara
AR
Aspen Raby
Other •
I remember that every time we’d go over to her house we never left empty-handed, there was always some kind of knickknack we got to take home. I loved playing with puzzles, looking through her picture books, and of course the brownies.
MR
Maya Raby
Other •
I remember that even though our birthdays weren’t exactly close, her, my nana, and me would share a birthday party. It was always fun, and it was sad when she was forced to stop coming to the birthdays because of her health. But we were still able hang out with her. I especially loved looking at the photos in her photo books. Also the games and things that she gave to us as we left filled me and my siblings with joy. Although the Brownies were definitely my favorite though.
SG
Stu & Karen Gilbert
Other •
I have so many wonderful memories of Barb, a very special lady. Known her and her family since I was young. Our families camped together for many years. Spent many times with her and my parents Florida, also trips to Branson, MO which I have many fond memories. Barb always had a positive attitude and a smile. She was like "an aunt" to me. She will be deeply missed. - Karen Gilbert
PH
Paula Hulett
Other •
I have fond memories of seeing Barb every year when she would come down to Florida with my aunt and uncle. She was always super sweet and always smiling. She was a wonderful person who will be truly missed.

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