Olson, Hannah Joy

Hannah Joy Olson, 25, of West Salem, Wis., entered into life eternal on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at home surrounded by her family.

Hannah was born May 8, 1986, in Waukon, Iowa, to Larry and Claudia (Ehlen) Olson. She graduated from Waukon High School in 2004, Mount Mercy College in 2010 with a Bachelors in Social Work and from St. Ambrose University with a Masters in Social Work in May 2011. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of West Salem and the National Association of Social Workers.

Hannah's life embodied her middle name, Joy, with a smile and spirit that would brighten up the room. She was sincere and caring toward all people. Her courage and drive were an inspiration to all she met. Her strong faith and love for the Lord Jesus Christ supported her through all her medical problems. Hannah will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

Surviving her are parents, Larry and Claudia Olson of West Salem, Wis.; older brother, Andrew of Houston, Texas; grandparents, Robert and Jean Ehlen of Bloomington, Minn., and Raymond Olson of Richfield, Minn.; aunts, Barbara (David) Hesse, Marilou (Allen) Hickam and Paula (Gary) Schutte; cousins, Rob Lehmann, Reesa Lehmann, Peter (Katie) Schutte, Greta Schutte, Greg (Shannon) Schutte and Lacey Hickam; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Betty Olson.

Service of witness to the resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Presbyterian Church of West Salem, 625 W. Franklin St. Pastor Ken Meunier will officiate. Family burial will be in the Twin Cities on Friday. Friends may visit the family at the church from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until services Thursday.

Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, West Salem, (608) 786-1990, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be given to the family at .

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is being established in Hannah's name.

Published in  The Gazette Sept. 20, 2011.