BILLINGS, Mont. - Karla L. Olsen, 49, Billings, Mont., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 12, 2026, due to complications from diabetes. She was the loving daughter of Trygve and Sheila (Davis) Olsen, Brooklyn, Wis. Karla graduated from Evansville High School in 1995 and from UW-La Crosse in 1999 with a degree in Communications.

Karla worked for a year in Florida before accepting an editing position for the Ohio News Network in Columbus. After a year, Karla took a leasing position for an apartment complex and loved it; she had found her niche. She was eventually promoted to manager.

In 2013, Karla moved on to a managerial position in Bloomington, Minn., and bought a home she fixed up herself. There wasn’t a tool she didn’t know how to use. In 2021, she decided to move to Billings, Mont., for a new opportunity. Karla enjoyed the challenges and responsibilities of her job, but most of all the people she worked with. Her employers said she was a strong leader and her employees respected and admired her; Karla never put herself above them. She was kind and loving to all, but her passion was rescuing senior dogs. They brought tremendous joy to her life.

Karla enjoyed traveling with her mom; they toured European capitals and enjoyed many trips around the U.S., too! She took her Wisconsin roots wherever she went, remaining a Badgers, Brewers, and Bears fan. Yes, she loved the Bears!

Karla is survived by her mother, Sheila; brother, Brian (Christa) Olsen; niece, Emma; nephew, Louis; uncles, Arthur Olsen, Dwayne (Gaye) Davis and Bill Stephan; many loving cousins and friends; and her beloved dog, Otis. She was preceded in death by her father, Trygve; grandparents, Trygve and Eunice Olsen, and Wendall and Elaine Stephan; and aunts, Dorie Underkoffler, Doris Olsen and Shirley Stephan.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, followed by a luncheon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Karla left this earth too soon and will be dearly missed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

Karla Olsen

October 06, 1976 - February 12, 2026

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