Alta Mae Olien 02/12/2013

Alta Mae Olien, 93, of New Richmond, WI died February 12, 2013 at The Deerfield, her home for the past ten years.   Funeral services for Mrs. Olien were held at 10:50 AM, Thursday, February 21 in The Deerfield Chapel in New Richmond. 

Alta Mae was born November 17, 1919 in Star Prairie, WI to Alfred N. and Louise Miller Bottolfson.   A 1937 graduate of New Richmond High School, she married Marvin W. Olien in May 1938. 

During World War II while Marvin was serving in the United States Army Air Corps, she began working for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M), eventually rising to the position of Department Head of Computer Operations.   Later, she was employed by Mounds Hospital in St. Paul, MN.  She served as Office Manager for New Richmond Physician Dr. O. Hoyt Epley.  Alta Mae’s eighteen years before retirement were spent as Office Manager for New Richmond City Utilities. 

Alta Mae was an active member for over fifty years in the Organization of Eastern Star and  remained an active congregant at First Lutheran Church of New Richmond.  She loved traveling and gardening and was a voracious reader.   Researching and composing her family genealogy held special joy for Alta Mae.  She considered it an important task that connected her with family in Norway a century following her ancestor’s immigration to the United States. 

Alta Mae’s strong advocacy for Higher Education greatly inspired her sons.  She was instrumental in assuring their academic success.   Alta Mae loved and was loved by all.  Her gentle grace and gracious hospitality will be remembered by her loving family and countless friends.

She is survived by her three sons, Roger of Austin, TX, David (Deborah Smith) of Madison, WI, and Mark of Stillwater, MN.  Survivors also include three beloved  grandchildren, Christina (Nina) Bosco of London, England, Elizabeth (Libby) Hill of Williamsburg, VA, Catherine (Cassie) Olien of Evanston, IL, her loving sister, Elaine Altstatt of St. Paul, MN, and two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Oscar (Peg) Olien Jr. and Mrs. Bill (Martha) Smith, both of New Richmond, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Alta Mae Olien was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Marvin, beloved daughter-in-law Sharon Olien, sisters Carmen, Vida and brothers, Donald and Alton. Also preceding her in death were nephews, Steven Smith, Donald Marion, Steven Altstatt and her niece, Karen Bottolfson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be donated to The American Cancer Society. Private interment will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.