Olsen, Beatrice

Beatrice M. Olsen, age 86, of Waupaca, WI went home to Jesus peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024 after a brief illness.

She was born on March 4, 1938 in Mauston, WI to the late Clarence and Isabel (Wells) Brown. Bea grew up in Nekoosa, WI and graduated from Nekoosa High School as salutatorian in 1956. After high school she worked in the office at a paper mill. She planned a trip to Europe with a friend but decided not to go when she met Jim Olsen and fell in love. They married on October 6, 1962. They lived for a time in Kenosha, WI where Bea worked as a secretary to the dean of Carthage College. They later moved to Wisconsin Rapids and then to Waupaca. Bea was a stay-at-home mom raising their two children, Connie and Scott, until they were in high school. Then she took a position in the office at Filter Materials (Gusmer Enterprises) and worked there for nineteen years until she retired in 2000. As a retiree she worked part-time at the Waupaca School District in the kitchen. She truly enjoyed being around all the school children and serving them lunch.

Throughout her entire life, Bea generously gave her time to help others. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Waupaca where she served in multiple positions in the church and at Tiny Treasures Preschool. She even traveled on several mission trips. Bea volunteered at the Waupaca Area Food Pantry, Project Backpack, and for Relay for Life as she was a breast cancer survivor herself.

Bea loved being outdoors walking, watching birds, and taking in the sunshine. She always looked forward to spring each year when she could get outside and dig in the dirt. She was an avid gardener and her raspberry bed and many flower gardens were much admired.

Bea was so excited to become a grandma. She even purchased custom car license plates – ‘Gram Bea’. Her grandchildren were her world. She babysat for them when they were young and when they were older she attended all their sports events. She was always there for them with a hug and a delicious meal.

Bea valued making connections with people and touched so many lives. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and many friends.

She is survived by her brother: Byron (Gisela) Brown, Surprise, AZ; children: Connie (Kevin) Long, Waupaca; Scott (Sara) Olsen, Waupaca; grandchildren: Skye (Chris Topel) Olsen, Oshkosh; Shane Olsen, Stevens Point; Keith Long, Waupaca; Brenda Long, Waupaca; Brett Long, Waupaca. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Brown.

The family would like to thank the Park Vista staff for their loving compassionate care, ThedaCare Hospice RN Paula Struzynski and CNA Bree Cordy for their kindness and support, and Pastor Andy Behrendt, Pastor Charles Tews, and Trinity Lutheran Church for all the love and prayers.

A private family service will be held. The Maple Crest Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.