Myrna Olson

Myrna (nee Matthies) Olson, age 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Serenity Villa, Slinger, WI

Myrna was born on October 5, 1936, in Norwood Park, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, to the late John Arthur and Ruth (nee Klank) Matthies. She was welcomed by her older sisters, Charlotte Hronek and Dolores Spread.

She graduated from Taft High School in 1954 and from Beloit College in 1958 with a degree in education and K–8 teaching certification. Her first job after college was teaching fourth grade at Emerson Elementary School, where she met her future husband, Gerald “Jerry” Olson, who was teaching sixth grade at the time. Jerry often loved telling the story of seeing Myrna arrive on her first day in a brand-new convertible.

In 1961, Myrna and Jerry were married in Oahu, HI, where Myrna’s parents had retired a few years earlier. Together they built a life centered on family, education, and community, and later welcomed two daughters, Karen and Sharon.

As Jerry’s career progressed from teacher to principal and district administrator, the family moved several times, including to Cambridge, Lime Ridge, Argyle, and Cassville, Wisconsin. In every one of those communities, Myrna gave generously of her time and energy, supporting educational and civic activities while also teaching students in grades two through six.  Eventually, the family moved back to Illinois, where Myrna continued teaching and became involved in the state gifted and talented program.

After Jerry’s retirement, they returned to Cambridge, Wisconsin, to care for Jerry’s mother, Myrtle Olson and ended up spending the next 25+ years as members of the Cambridge / Oakland Township community.  Though retired from teaching, Myrna remained active in the community, working part-time first at M&I Bank and later in the pharmacy gift shop for many years. She also enjoyed the occasional modeling job for the local women’s clothing store.

Myrna and Jerry cherished time with friends and family. They loved meeting friends for coffee downtown, going for drives, traveling, visiting loved ones, and attending Navy reunions across the country. They were active members of Grace and Truth Bible church in Cambridge, WI and often shared with their daughters how much they enjoyed and appreciated the friendships and connections made with other members.  Myrna was also an avid reader and appreciated the Cambridge Library staff who often tracked down the specific types of books she enjoyed as her interests changed.

Jerry, her beloved husband, preceded her in death on October 31, 2020.

Those Myrna leaves behind to cherish her memory include loving daughters and their families: Karen (Gerry) Waterlander, and their children, Allie Waterlander and Noah Waterlander; and Sharon (John) Catarozzoli, and their sons, Domenic and Rex Catarzzoli; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Olson; and two sisters, Charlotte (Ralph) Hronek and Dolores (Bob) Spread.

She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, generosity, sense of style, devotion to family, and the countless lives she touched through teaching, friendship, and service to others.

A small family gathering will take place in Cambridge and Myrna’s ashes will be placed next to Jerry’s at East Koshkonong Cemetery outside of Cambridge, WI.