Muriel (Babler) Olson passed away at home surrounded by love and prayers on March 17, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on July 30, 1942, Muriel was the younger daughter of Milton and Wilma (Stauffer) Babler. She grew up on the family farm outside of New Glarus, Wis. Full-blooded Swiss, Muriel was proud to be a descendent of one of the original founding settlers of New Glarus.

After graduating from New Glarus High School, she attended college in Platteville, Wis., graduating with a degree in education. She enjoyed teaching kindergarten in the Waukesha school district. Then, one sunny afternoon in the middle of a cow pasture, she met a florist by the name of William Olson. Her life changed and her career-she went from teacher to “Petal Pusher;” they were married on August 23, 1969, in the Swiss Church in New Glarus.

Together, Bill and Muriel owned Olson’s Flowers in Mount Horeb, Wis. Later they opened The Christmas House. Both businesses became fixtures on Main Street. Bill started his flower business in 1954. Later, with Muriel’s help, they successfully operated it until 2023 when it changed hands. During that time, they produced thousands of arrangements, supplied the flowers for countless weddings, and gave service to an untold number of families at their time of loss. They were active participants within the Mount Horeb community serving on numerous committees. Muriel was part of the planning committee for all those trolls around Mount Horeb. Bill and Muriel considered their shops their “children” and devoted their lives to them. They put in a lifetime of hard work, side by side. When Bill passed away on November 6, 2020, she continued running the two shops with the help of Heidi Wittwer, a good staff, and Bill’s sister, Judy Olson-Sutton. As her health started to decline, she was fortunate to remain at home with the assistance of her caregiver, Arsie Pasayloon, whose care and devotion were exemplary and valued by Muriel and her family. Muriel was also blessed to have the assistance and loyalty of her friend and former employee, Heidi Wittwer, and the help and support of Judy Olson-Sutton. A very sincere thank you to these individuals. Also, Muriel’s family wants to extend a special thank you Dr. Ann Braus (UW Clinic) for her exceptional care and to Erik Larson, Barneveld Congregational Church, for his concern and his visits.

Muriel is survived by her sister, Rhoda Staab; sister-in-law, Judy Olson-Sutton; devoted colleague, Heidi Wittwer; niece, Denise Reynolds; and nephews, Eric Staab and Gary Staab. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brothers-in-law, Don Staab, Robert Sutton and Richard Olson.

A funeral service will be held at BARNEVELD CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 104 Jones St., Barneveld, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, followed by a graveside service at White Church Cemetery, Barneveld. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO MOUNT HOREB FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

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

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077

Muriel B Olson

July 30, 1942 - March 17, 2026

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