Walter Olien 01/21/2011

Walter E. Olien, age 85 of New Richmond, died on Friday, January 21, 2011 at Westfields Hospital in New Richmond.  Walter was born the son of Elmer and Nellie (Brevold) Olien on March 16, 1925 in New Richmond, Wisconsin.  He attended school in New Richmond before serving his country in the Army during WWII.  On June 28, 1947, Walter was married to Mary Elaine O’Connell in New Richmond. Walter was a carpenter, and worked many years for New Richmond Construction.  In 1972, Walter and Mary moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where they lived and worked until moving back to New Richmond in 1989.  He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and the New Richmond Volunteer Fire Department.  Walter could fix anything, was an excellent woodworker and a great cook.  He loved to hunt, fish, play cards, and bingo.  A tough old Swede, his wit never stopped, and he loved life.  Walter was a proud parent and grandparent whose children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the greatest joy in his life.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Nellie Olien; wife, Mary Elaine Olien; brother, John Olien; and sister, Helen Eastlund.  He is survived by his children, Jim (Vicki) Olien, New Richmond, WI, Judy Bolger, Colorado Springs, CO, Bob (Linda) Olien, New Richmond, WI, Tom (Cheri) Olien, Punta Gorda, FL, Karen (Doyle) Stroup, Calhan, CO, Mary Jo (Joe) Keuhlen, Colorado Springs, CO, Mike (Jane) Olien, San Antonio, TX, and Patti (Roger) Scales, Wichita, KS; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Carole Ehnert, Stillwater, MN; brothers-in-law, Joe Eastlund, St. Paul, MN and Emmett (Janet) O’Connell, Roberts, WI; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Richmond.  Visitation was Monday, January 24, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:45 pm at Bakken-Young’s Beebe Mortuary in New Richmond and also Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 am before the service at church.  Interment was in Oakland Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young’s Beebe Mortuary of New Richmond.