Florence L. Moe-Olson, 1950

Spring 2018 (May 18, 2018)

Florence L. Moe-Olson
Florence L. Moe-Olson

Florence L. Moe-Olson, 95, of La Crosse, Wis., passed away on Nov. 9, 2017, at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.

She was born in La Crosse on March 31, 1922, to Herman and Lena (Larson) Thompson. She was a graduate of Logan High School. Upon graduation, Florence enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Yeoman 2nd Class in the WAVES during World War II. Following her service, she attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she received her bachelor’s degree. Florence worked 25 years as a social worker for La Crosse County retiring in 1987.

Florence married Robert T. Moe ‘50 on March 10, 1951, in La Crosse. Robert preceded her in death on Feb. 23, 1999. She then married Preston M. Olson, a former high school classmate of hers. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2017.

Florence is survived by two sons, Robert (Patty) McManimon-Moe of Caledonia, Minn., and Thomas (Lauretta) Moe of Conroe, Texas; four grandchildren, Chelsea McManimon-Moe, Teal Moe, William (Clarissa) Wylie, and Daniel Wylie (fiancé, Mercedes “Gabby” Alvarez); and two great grandchildren, Hunter Wylie and Ethan Wylie. She is further survived by a special niece and nephew, Louise (Dean) Limberg and Greg Melde, and their families; special friend, Harriet Knudson; and Preston’s children and their families. In addition to her husbands, she was also preceded in death by a sister, Hilda Melde, and her parents.

Funeral services were held Nov. 14th, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2135 Weston St., La Crosse. Rev. Bruce Iverson officiated. Burial, with military honors, followed in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Freedom Honor Flight or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staffs at Bethany Hearten House II and Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center, and the Palliative Care Department at Gundersen Health System for the wonderful care they gave to Florence.