Genevieve Linehan 03/12/2012

Genevieve Marion (Olson) Linehan age 80 of River Falls died Monday, March 12, 2012 at the Kinnic Health Care Center in River Falls.  She was born the daughter of Olaf and Louise (Tarble) Olson on August 30, 1931 in Amery, Wisconsin.   Gen cherished her childhood in Amery.  The mere mention of the Apple River brought a smile to her face.  She fondly recalled her beauty queen days as Amery Fall Festival Queen, RF State Teacher’s College Homecoming Queen, and the Indianhead Princess of 1952.  She was a devoted and wonderful wife and mother, a tireless caregiver to her friends and family, and an inspiring example of a life well lived.  Gen will long be remembered for her thirty-eight years of service as a third grade teacher in the River Falls Public School District.  Gen had that special spark that only a teacher of her caliber has to ignite something in a child that could change them for eternity.  She showed her true strength and grace as she dealt with Parkinson’s disease for the last nine years of her life.  She remained positive and determined and kept up her remarkable sense of humor to the end. Genevieve is survived by her two sons, David Linehan of Parker, CO, and Terry (Karen) Linehan of Carolina Beach, NC; grandchildren, Brian Linehan of River Falls, Kyle Linehan of Milwaukee, Kelsey Linehan and Dylan Linehan both of Carolina Beach, NC; great-grandson, Quinn Thomas Linehan; brother, Wayne (Lee) Olson of Orofino, ID; sister, Irene (Ron) Rasmus of Green Valley, AZ; daughter-in-law, Kathy Linehan of River Falls; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Louise Olson; husband Thomas Earl Linehan; and son, Thomas Daniel Linehan.  Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 10:00 am at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in River Falls.  Visitation was Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls and also Thursday from 9:00-10:00 at the church.  Interment was in St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Bridget’s Catholic Church or the National Parkinson Foundation.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.