Margaret (Maggie) R. Olson, age 71, of Eau Claire died on Tuesday, April 3,2012 under the care of Luther Midelfort Mayo Health System Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer. Maggie was born to Leon and Ruth (Askelson) Johnson on October 5, 1940, in Waukon, IA. She will be remembered as an independent, strong-willed and oftentimes feisty gal, but it was her soft-hearted, caring and fun ways that drew people to Maggie. Maggie was always up for a good time, and there was nothing she loved more than hanging out with her friends, her sisters and her three grandchildren, the lights of her life. The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the caring staff at Dove Healthcare West where she worked as a certified nursing assistant up until recent months. It was Maggie's wish to live out her last days at Dove among her work "family," and their amazing care and compassionate support was greatly appreciated. Also, special thanks to her hospice nurse, Judy Lust, and to Dr. Daniel Burns with Mayo Health System. Maggie is survived by two sons, David Olson of Rio Rancho, NM Tim (Diane) Olson of Burnsville, MN; three grandchildren, Sophia, Megan and Benjamin; four sisters, Betty Nerby of Rochester, MN, Donna Erickson of La Crosse, WI, LaVonne (Stanley) Kohlhepp of Eau Claire, Sandra Johnson of Eau Claire; one brother, Leo (Joyce) Johnson or Murfreesboro, TN; numerous relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Audrey Helgeson and Katie Johnson. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10 in the chapel at Dove Healthcare West, 1405 Truax Boulevard, Eau Claire. Immediately following the service, friends and family are invited to a celebration in Maggie's honor from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Barley Club at Pine Meadows Golf Course, 4324 Fairfax Park Drive, Eau Claire.

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