Elroy Merlin Olson

     Elroy M. Olson, 89, of Sparta, died Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Tomah VA Medical Center. He was born on February 10, 1929 in Timber Coulee, Coon Valley, WI to Emil and Myrtle (Hagen) Olson. He grew up on Fish Creek Ridge. He worked on the family farm before being drafted into the Korean War. He moved back to the Sparta area after his service.

     Elroy married Janet Schroeder on November 15, 1952 at St. John’s Ev Lutheran Church in Sparta. After marriage, they continued to live in Sparta. Elroy was a cook at the Tomah VA Medical Center, retiring in 1986 after 35 years. After retirement he worked at the Wonder Wash in Sparta for 10 years. Elory also worked with Gordy Stelter with the Sheriff’s reserves transporting prisoners for Monroe County.  He retired from the Army and National Guard in 1981 after 31 years.

     Elroy was a member of St. John’s Ev Lutheran Church in Sparta. He was also a member of VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 of Sparta. He enjoyed softball, horses, riding his Harley motorcycle, and his morning coffee crew. He also had his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying.

     Elroy is survived by his wife, Janet of Sparta; his children, Rosemary Barney of Burbank, CA, Virginia (Randy) Roerig of Merrill, WI, and Dawn Benoit of Sparta; his grandchildren, Matthew Roerig, Joseph Roerig, Justin Benoit, Kristy Shepard, Erica Barney, and Lindsay Barney; 11 great grandchildren; his brother, Roger Olson of Cataract; his sister, Verna Wehrs of West Salem; and many other relatives and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Alf Olson; and his grandson, Derick Benoit.

     A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30th at St. John’s Ev Lutheran Church, Sparta, with Reverend John Meyer officiating. Military honors, provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 both of Sparta, will follow the service at the church. Burial will be at a later time in the church cemetery.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until time of services on Wednesday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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