Dorothy L. Olsen, Janesville, WI (1924-2015)

October 16, 2015

June 7, 1924 - October 14, 2015

Dorothy L. Olsen, age 91, of Janesville, died on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015, at Rock Haven Nursing Home. The oldest of five children, Dorothy was born on the family farm in Deer Park, WI, on June 7, 1924, the daughter of the late Arthur and Laura (Kirschbaum) Hammelman. On Aug. 6, 1955, in Deer Park, she married Robert A. Olsen and he predeceased her on Sept. 7, 1996. Dorothy was a pioneering woman for her time. She graduated from college to become an elementary school teacher, paying all of her expenses on her own. Her student teaching was done in a one room school house in northern Wisconsin, and she eventually moved to Janesville, to teach at Roosevelt School. Dorothy had a very close friend and fellow teacher, Helen Knutson, who introduced her to her future husband. After a few years, Dorothy and Robert became the proud parents of two children, David and Mary, whom they adopted. David and Mary continue to say they were very lucky and fortunate to have two loving parents in their lives.

Dorothy is survived by her two children, David (Sheryl) Olsen of Evansville, WI, and Mary Olsen of Janesville; granddaughter, Kryssy (Greg) Sailors and their children: Jackson, Luke and Landan; her sister, Louella (Perry) Biederman; sisters-in-law, Lois Hammelman and Jeannette Olsen; many nieces, nephews and other relatives. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her three brothers: Bernard, Raymond, and Richard.

David and Mary wish to thank the "Two Julies" that made it possible for Mom to live in her own home. They loved and cared for her like she was their own mother. Also a very warm and heartfelt thank you to the staff at St. Mary's Hospital, Janesville, and the staff at Rock Haven for their diligent compassionate care given to our mother. All of you are true angels!

A Celebration Honoring Dorothy's Life will be held from Noon until 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, at the WHITCOMB - LYNCH FUNERAL HOME. Private interment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Whitcomb - Lynch Funeral Home & Cremation Services

21 S. Austin Road, Janesville, WI (608) 752-2444