Virginia (Molaska) Olson

Virginia (Molaska) Olson, 93 of Iola, WI passed away peacefully on October 20, 2016 at the Iola Nursing home. Virginia was born March 21, 1923 in the town of New Hope in Portage County. Virginia was the eighth of ten children born to Arthur and Helen (Glodowski) Thompson. She grew up in Amherst, WI and as a teenager she worked at the Amherst Egg Factory, candling eggs. After World War II, Virginia’s brother introduced her to his friend, Edward Molaska from Kenosha. On January 5, 1946 Virginia and Edward were married on cold and snowy day. They began their married life in Kenosha where Edward worked at American Motors. They were blessed with two sons while living in Kenosha. In 1956, Virginia and Ed moved back to Iola where they purchased and operated the Red Owl grocery store. Virginia worked daily beside her husband to run a successful business while raising their three boys. Edward Molaska died on October 3, 1973. Virginia began working at the Veterans Home in King, WI where she continued to work for 13 years. In November 1984, Virginia was married to Carlyle Olson. He preceded her in death on January 13, 2008. Virginia loved to garden and tend to her flowers. She spent hours cooking and canning and especially baking. She loved it when her granddaughter would visit and they would make buttermilk donuts together. Survivors include two sons, Ken (Jan) Molaska, Rib Mt., WI and Roger (Linda) Molaska, Amherst, WI. She is further survived by two grandchildren Dr. Wendy Molaska (Keith McClelland), WI and Bryan Molaska (Monica Dell’Armi), CO. Virginia was blessed that she was able to see her two great grandchildren – Sophia Molaska McClelland and Maxwell McClelland Molaska. As recently as two months ago, Virginia was able to hold Maxwell and her smile told the world how happy she was snuggling him and his sister. Virginia was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Besides her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by one son, Edward Jr. and one grandson, Paul Michael Molaska. She was further preceded in death by her brothers: Chet, Raymond, Leo, Ole, Syl, and Robert and 3 sisters, Jennie Berg, Viola Peters and Mary Swenson. Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church, Amherst, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 25th, with Father Dan Hackel officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 9-11 AM. Interment will be in St, James Catholic Cemetery in Amherst. Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com Voie Funeral Home 120 S. Main St Iola, WI. 54945 715-445-2560