Georgianna Sheryl (Smith) Olson

Georgianna Sheryl (Smith) Olson was born in Wausau, WI on October 3rd, 1945, to William and Inez (Erdmann) Smith and passed away peacefully on Friday, August 18, at the age of 77 in Marshfield, WI.  She graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a bachelor's degree in 1967 and married Graham Olson later that year on August 12.

The couple moved to Marshfield following their wedding as Graham began his teaching career at Marshfield High School.  Georg, as she was best-known, taught English for a short time at Marshfield Junior High School, before taking an administrative role at the Marshfield Clinic. 

While she worked full-time at the clinic, the couple welcomed their first son, Anthony (Tony), in November 1969, and their second son, Andrew (Andy), in April 1972.  Shortly thereafter, Georg stopped working at the Clinic to focus on the young boys and maintain the home front as Graham was expanding his role at the High School and starting a youth baseball league for the area.

When her sons were old enough to attend elementary school, Georg re-entered the workforce in a sales role at the Weyerhaeuser Door Manufacturing facility in Marshfield in 1976, working there for 10 years.  Thereafter, Georg focused on raising Tony and Andy as they wrapped up their high school education and left for college in 1988 and 1990 respectively.

Living in a community where many people knew her husband, the role Georg played behind-the-scenes to enable and support Graham over the years is easily overlooked. While people in Marshfield knew Graham as a Teacher, Baseball Coach, Student Council Advisor, School Board Member, American Legion Board Member, and House of the Dove volunteer, Georg was the glue that held the Olson family together.  Raising two sons involved in numerous activities combined with her husband’s schedule, Georg was the person who enabled the rest of the family to teach, coach, play, participate, and grow. 

Never in the spotlight, Georg provided the framework and foundation for the Olson “boys,” as they grew up and pursued their respective careers.  Passionate about all levels of football, she attended all of Tony’s home football games, and never missed a televised Badger or Packer game.  Win or lose, she was the most loyal of fans.

Despite being a fraction of the size of her sons, she would threaten to “pound” them when they misbehaved, but always had encouraging words and a hug when those were equally in order.  She was firm but fair; and had a knack for knowing when to intervene as mediator when Graham and one of the boys had a difference of opinion. 

Georg was an avid reader, rivaling her husband in the number of books she read each year. Blessed with an excellent memory and great sense of humor, fun and laughs always ensued when Georg and Graham would match wits in a game of Trivial Pursuit. Her other favorite pastime was playing cards; and she particularly enjoyed playing Bridge with a great group of friends.

A favorite Olson tradition is decorating the pine tree in the front yard for Christmas. Georg suggested this tradition years ago and was a driving force behind it. She would test all the lights each year and the decorating process was never complete until she provided her final approval.  Much like the pine tree at Christmas, Georg was the twinkle in the Olson household that made everything a bit brighter, no matter the occasion.  

Georg is survived by her sons, Tony (Amy), Andy (Renee); her sister Charmaine Larsen; and her grandchildren, Cooper, and Madison.

The Olson Family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Georg at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home located at 1010 East Veterans Parkway, Marshfield, WI 54449 on Saturday, September 9th, from 1pm – 4pm.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests any memorials or donations be directed to American Legion Post 54, 2100 South Maple Ave, Marshfield, WI  54449.

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