Phlayne Grace Olson, 86, of Wausau, WI, and formerly of Menomonie, WI, died on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Primrose Memory Care Unit in Weston, WI.
Phlayne was born on August 10, 1938 to G. Julian and Martha (Berreth) Vig at the Veblen Hospital in Veblen, South Dakota. During the first few years of her childhood, she lived in Morris, MN where her father was employed at the West Central School of Agriculture, now U of Minnesota-Morris. The family returned to Veblen in 1942, where Phlayne went to Veblen Public School, graduating in 1956 as Salutatorian of her class, singing in school and church choirs and playing clarinet in the Veblen Band. Phlayne was blessed to be brought up by two loving Christian parents with three younger brothers in a small-town atmosphere, shared with many relatives (aunts, uncles, and cousins) in and around Veblen.
While in high school Phlayne met the love of her life, Gerald Olson of Sisseton, SD. Immediately after graduation she moved to Minneapolis and was employed as a clerical worker. In July of 1957 Phlayne and Gerry were married in Veblen. They made their first home in Minneapolis, where their daughter, Roxanne Rae was born. They later moved to Bloomington, MN where daughters Renee Lynn and Nancy Jo were born. Phlayne and Gerry raised their family in Bloomington until 1974 when new opportunities brought them to Menomonie, WI for the rest of their 60 married years. Phlayne was especially proud of her three daughters, all of whom graduated from Menomonie High School and then later earned their college degrees at UW-Eau Claire. Phlayne was employed for twenty plus years at the Bank of Menomonie, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. She was a long-time faithful member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and was involved in many of their activities. She enjoyed quilting and volunteering at the Church. She formed many friendships in Menomonie throughout the years - at church, at work, and with several neighbors. She and Gerry always enjoyed the sports activities at Menomonie High School, especially the Friday night football games. After retiring she became an active member of PEO, an active bridge player, and member of a book club. Also, Phlayne and Gerry enjoyed many years of spending the cold winter months in Destin, FL with wonderful friends.
The later years were spent enjoying the growing families of her three daughters, including the arrival of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her beloved family was truly the center and focal point of her life. Gerry passed away in 2017 after a long illness. Phlayne later moved to Wausau in 2023 near her youngest daughter, Nancy and family.
Phlayne is survived by her three daughters: Roxanne (Robert) Carruthers of Kankakee IL, Renee (Alix) Hiel of Blaine MN, and Nancy (David) Jensen of Wausau WI. Nine grandchildren: Sarah (Chuck) Ocenasek, Tyler (Danielle) Jensen, Amy (Jordan Humphrey) Carruthers, Matthew Jensen, Ryan Carruthers, Katie (Devin) Schiltz, Jenna (John) Acton, Cody Jensen & Alyssa Hiel. Six great-grandchildren: Wade Jensen, Catherine Ocenasek, Evelyn Jensen, Holden Schiltz, Winifred Carruthers-Humphrey and Lyla Acton. Brothers: Mike (Linda) Vig of Bismarck ND, Joe (Patti) Vig of Yankton SD; sisters-in-law Emy Vig of Southport NC and Dianne Gilbertson of Moorhead, MN, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Phlayne was preceded in death by her husband Gerry, her parents Julian and Martha Vig, brother Robert Vig, parents-in-law Oscar and Rosine Olson, brother-in-law James Olson, sisters-in-law Marion Tilden, Jean Wannop, Karen Stansbury, niece Tammy Annis, nephews Mason Vig, Jason Ebel, and infant great-grandson Jack Jensen.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11th at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie with Pastor Sarah Miller officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the service.
To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com.
