COTTAGE GROVE - Anita Jeanette Bisarek Olson of Cottage Grove, passed away at Legacy of Deforest on April 27, 2026. Born to Michael and Mary (Peat) Bisarek in Livingston, Wis., on July 8, 1926, Anita observed that “the Great Depression started the day after I was born.”

At Highland High School, a love story of more than 60 years began. She asked Don Olson to be her prom escort because she was on the court and didn’t have a boyfriend. They married in Madison on May 17, 1948. Anita worked for the UW-Madison departments of Chemical and Ag Engineering. After retiring as secretary to the History Department chair, she meticulously prepared manuscripts for seven faculty books. Her contribution-well beyond the technical typing and editing she offered-was gratefully acknowledged by the authors.

Active in Lake Edge Neighborhood Association, Frank Allis P.T.A., and Girl Scouts, she still found time to cook. Hoping for a reward of her luscious cinnamon rolls, neighbors competed to clean her gutters. She prepared and donated Thanksgiving meals for seniors at Luther Memorial Church, which she joined in 1945. Don and Nita filled in with barbeque delivery for their son Smoky Jon, cheered Brewers and Packers, and enjoyed trips and casinos.

Cherished for her humor, common sense, optimism, and stubborn independence, Anita’s wisdom and generosity touched everyone she knew. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Olson; son, Jonathan Miles Olson; and siblings, Dorothe Morrison, Richard Bisarek, Carol Thackray, and Mary Pertzborn. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Olson (Thomas Craig) and Amy Olson; Jon’s partner, Connie Stenjem; siblings, Michael (Flo) Bisarek, Robert (Rhonita) Bisarek, Lois (Bill) Meuer, Ken (Kris) Bisarek, and Terry (Dan) Stanton; and nieces, nephews, and their families.

A private family committal will take place at Rock Church Cemetery, Livingston, Wis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be addressed to River Food Pantry, 3301 Packers Ave., Madison, WI 53704. Special thanks to the staff of Legacy and Brighton Hospice and to Jim Pertzborn for his loving devotion.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Anita Bisarek Olson

July 08, 1926 - April 27, 2026

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