Dorothy M. Olson, 96, died peacefully, surrounded by those she loved on Thursday, June 2, 2016, at Grace Woodlands in Eau Claire. She was born May 25, 1920, to Elmer and Alvina (Priefert) Smeltzer in Buffalo County, WI. Dorothy was an amazing "scratch" cook and baker who rarely followed a recipe, creating a large variety of delicious meals, hot dishes, cookies, cakes, and pies. When Dorothy wasn't in the kitchen, you could find her outdoors, tending her flower gardens. She loved working in the soil, and had a classic "green thumb". Dorothy married Shirley A. Olson in November of 1941; they farmed together for sixteen years, until his death in August, 1957, leaving a six-week-old infant daughter, Geraldine. Geri was the joy of Dorothy's life. A special bond of love and devotion for Geri continued to be evident, even in the midst of her final days with advanced dementia. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Geraldine (Richard) Long of Eau Claire; a sister, Alice Lee, of Chippewa Falls; a sister-in-law, Janice Smeltzer, of Bloomington, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Virgil Johnson and Arlene Stay; and two brothers, Russell and Donald. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Spirit Lutheran, 1310 Main Street, Eau Claire. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at 1 p.m. at Spirit Lutheran with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastors Amy Odgren and Lowell Halvorson will be officiating. Interment will be at the Drammen Lutheran Cemetery, Mondovi. The family wishes to thank the amazing staff at Grace Woodlands for their patient and compassionate care over the past 5 ½ years and the staff of HSHS St. Joseph's Hospice, whose care brought Dorothy great comfort in the final days of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Foundation, P.O. Box 287, Eau Claire, WI 54702 (designate to "Grace Woodlands") or St. Joseph's Hospice, 2661 County Hwy I, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729; www.stjoeschipfalls.com (designate to "Home Hospice").

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