DODGEVILLE - Zella Mae (Goodell) Olsen, 98, of Dodgeville, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, peacefully in her sleep. She was born on Oct. 6, 1924, on a farm in Hammond, Wis., to Ira and Blanche (Deering) Goodell. She was one of the few women of her time to attend UW-Madison and graduated with a degree in Home Economics with a minor in Chemistry. She worked as a teacher and at UW Extension Home Economics prior to marriage.

Zella married her college sweetheart, Everett Olsen, in 1950 and together they raised five children in Dodgeville, and later moved to Mount Horeb. She was a firm believer in volunteering to support your children’s interests. She served as a 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, and Cherub Choir director for many years. She would say “You can’t sign your kids up for things and expect other parents to do the work.” Zella enjoyed playing cards. She and Ev were in the same bridge club for over 50 years. She also enjoyed bowling, traveling, sewing, knitting, playing piano, and most of all, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She spent many hours growing and preserving fresh produce. We aren’t sure how much she enjoyed gardening, but Ev was passionate about it, and they did everything together!

Zella was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Everett. She is survived by her children, Dennis Olsen (Maggie) of Huntley, Ill., Jan Olsen (Alan) of San Tan Valley, Ariz., Karen Olsen Ernst (Tom) of Ontario, Wis., Sue Lueschow (Dominic Haag) of Blue Mounds and Vicki Spellman (Gene) of Mount Horeb; her grandchildren, Jake and Dane Olsen, Kelly and Becky Hogan, Nate, Angel and Alissa Ernst, Shane and Kristi Lueschow, and Cordell, Garrett and Liza Spellman, along with their spouses; 14 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Audrey Randall and Merna (Paul) Schuman; and sisters-in-law, Dee Jaeckel and Ruth Werntz, and their families. Her family will sorely miss her easy smile and kindness.

A private family service was held on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Zella’s memory.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077

Zella Mae Olsen

October 06, 1924 - February 19, 2023

Share photos of Zella