Laura Renee Olson

On Saturday, November 12, 2016, Laura Renee Olson, 29, of Madison, left this world from her apartment in Madison. Laura was born in Eau Claire on February 20, 1987 to Richard and Doreen (Maliszewski) Olson. Laura graduated from Independence High School in 2005 where she excelled in academics and sports. She was eager to begin a new phase in her life and entered the University of Wisconsin – Madison to become a life-long Badger fan. It was here, where her adventurous spirit led her to new avenues of life and friendship. She graduated with a Civil Engineer degree in 2010 and was employed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Eau Claire and Madison offices. Laura was known for her bold personality, love for athletics, quick wit and fun loving spirit. Her love for life, acceptance of others and perseverance led her to become a successful and a beautiful young woman. Laura’s competitive spirit was duly noted whether it be on the court, running, in Ultimate Frisbee or curling. The love for books, nature and conservation added to her interests in life. Laura leaves behind her parents of Independence, sisters Sarah (James) Weyenberg of Manitowoc and Leah (special friend, Luke Haugen) Olson of Chetek; grandmother, Marie Maliszewski of Blair and a nephew Palmer Weyenberg. The love of her life, Mark Harris of Madison, is left with fond memories of their days together. Memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, November 21, 2016 at the SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Independence, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at the church from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Sunday, November 20, 2016 and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2016, at the church with a time for personal reflections to be shared. A celebration of Laura’s life will also be held on November 27, 2016 at The Barn at Harvest Moon Pond, Poynette, Wisconsin, from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Personal tributes of Laura’s life will begin at 6:00 p.m. Please wear Badger attire in honor of Laura. Directions to the Barn are located at http://www.barnharvestmoon.com/contact.cfm In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her honor to Alzheimer’s Association; Madison Public Library, 201 West Mifflin St, Madison 53703; Pietrek Park, C/O Tremp. Co Land Management, 36245 Main Street, Whitehall, WI 54773 As Stuart Scott said “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.” Laura did beat cancer by living her life to the fullest and she will continue to live in our hearts in years to come. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Laura Renee Olson, please visit our flower store.