Serene Olsen

Madison - Serene Marie Olsen, age 100, passed away on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Oakwood Village East in Madison.

Serene was born on September 15, 1911 at her home in Leeds Township, the daughter of Severt and Nettie (Swansby) Fosmark. She married her husband, Egbert "Bud" Olsen on August 21, 1937 at the Spring Prairie Lutheran Church in Keyeser. Bud preceded her in death on November 8, 1993.

Serene and Bud were caregivers to all those who needed help. They fostered over 30 children and were always volunteering and providing care when needed. Serene was a registered nurse by career and always helped with orphans, the homeless, and her local neighborhood with medical help. When Serene wasn't volunteering, she enjoyed knitting as well.

Serene was confirmed and baptized at Spring Prairie Lutheran Church in Keyeser prior to moving to Itasca, IL in 1941, where they lived for over 40 years. Upon moving back to Sun Prairie, Serene and Bud were members at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church before moving to her final home at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge.

Serene is survived by her two children, Harold (Donna) Olsen of Indianapolis and Karen M. Olsen of New Berlin, WI; 5 grandchildren, Denise (Dave) Estelle, Jeanne Clevenger, Eric (Phoebe) Olsen, Mari Olsen and Katri Olsen; 8 great grandchildren, Nick, Nathan, Audrey, Emma, Charlie, Harry, Simon and Hugh; 1 great great grandchild, Helen and a sister, Rebecca Conradson of Alabama.

Serene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Egbert "Bud" Olsen and 8 siblings, George, Sylvester, Nelvin, Christian, Carl, Clara, Luella and Nina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Sun Prairie in her memory.

Funeral services will be held at Oakwood Village East Chapel, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 2:00 PM. A visitation will also be held at Oakwood from 12:30 PM until the time of service. Burial will conclude at Spring Prairie Lutheran Cemetery in Keyeser.