Jeanne Eleanor (Doyle) Olsen

May 26, 2020
Jeanne Eleanor (Doyle) Olsen, 86, of Baraboo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek. Jeanne was born on July 13, 1933 to Floyd and Emma (Brown) Doyle in Racine, WI. She married William “Bill” Olsen 67 years ago on April 18, 1953. Jeanne graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine where she formed many lifelong friendships. She and Bill moved to Baraboo in 1968 to build Terrytown Campground out of a field and trees west of Baraboo. Jeanne took care of running the campground during the day while Bill worked full time. She also managed to chase around five children and keep her sanity with, “Go outside and play!” Jeanne met a host of new friends in Baraboo and enjoyed sharing birthday lunches, shopping and card games with them. She also liked doing ceramics, crocheting, and crafts, and participated in bowling leagues for years. She loved flowers and liked to cut them from her garden, but she was never opposed to a big bunch from the flower shop. Jeanne never forgot her upbringing in Racine and appreciated a good danish or donut. She was an excellent baker and some years made at least 30 different kinds of cookies for the family Christmas. She loved buying gifts and having everyone over no matter how crowded it got. Jeanne was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Joseph Parish. She belonged to the Daughters of Isabella, was past president of St. Joseph Sodality, and served as a teacher's aide at St. Joseph School. She sang in the choir and delivered the eucharist to the homebound. Jeanne was a Girl Scout leader for many years and was a member of the hospital auxiliary. She was also a member of the American Business Women's Association where she was elected Woman of the Year for 1999. She was a board member of the Baraboo Community Scholarship Corporation and was an American Field Service foreign exchange student host. In retirement, Jeanne and Bill traveled and attended auctions. They had an antique business and Jeanne sometimes kept a few pieces of her favorite Depression glass to display at home. She is survived by her husband, Bill; her children, Gail Harder of Fond du Lac, WI, Mark (Dawn) Olsen of Reedsburg, WI, Craig (Mim) Olsen of Baraboo, WI, Mary Beth Olsen (Liz Merrick) of Sun Prairie, WI, and Amy (Darren) Tidler of St. Charles, IL.   She was a very proud grandma and great-grandma to Jason (Lisa) Harder and children, January and Samantha; Bryan (Becky) Harder and son, Rhys; Mickey (Heather) Olsen and children, Lucy and Daniel; Andy (Sarah) Olsen; Joe (Amanda) Olsen and daughter, Ellie; Kevin (Jeff) Goke, Becky (David) Hoadley and children, Amelia, Wells, and Cora; Sarah (Alex) Levin and children, Beau and Barry; EllaGrace Olsen; Connor Tidler; Alex Tidler; and Emily Tidler. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Arlene Ellis of Racine, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Bill and her twin, Jack. Jeanne would be disappointed that this pandemic interfered with the opportunity for friends and family to gather. Private family services will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Rainbow Hospice Care. Baldwin Funeral Services, 520 East St., Baraboo, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jeanne Eleanor (Doyle) Olsen