Vernon A. Olson, 83, of La Crosse passed away Nov. 26, 2020, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born Feb. 14, 1937, in La Crosse to Oliver and Alida (Larson) Olson and graduated from La Crosse Central High School.

He served in the United States Naval Reserves before graduating with a degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Vern later received his degree in art from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. On Oct. 19, 1957, he married Jeanne Quain in La Crosse, and she preceded him in death on April 1, 2019.

Vern served as an art teacher at La Crosse Central High School from 1967 until his retirement in 1994. He also co-owned Olson Brothers Car Dealership in La Crosse with his father and brothers. Vern enjoyed fishing, antique auctions, art photography and socializing. For the past two years, he has resided at Springbrook Assisted Living in La Crescent.

Vern is survived by three daughters, Susan (Michael) Erickson of Lodi, Calif., Kristen (Michael) Mattie of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sarah (Adam) Walesh of Menomonie, Wis.; seven grandchildren; Charlie, Danielle, David, Julia, Michelle, Christopher and Katelyn; four great-grandchildren; Bradley, Abigail, Charlie and Blair, along with a brother, Eugene Olson of La Crescent.

In addition to his wife, Jeanne, he was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Mary and an uncle Kenneth Olson.

Memorial services were at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse, with Rev. Kathy Ingbritsen officiating. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to The Pump House or the La Crosse Society of the Arts.