Kaye K. Olson Obituary ~ Memorial service Monday, Sept. 11

Kaye (Kuester Stevens) Olson, age 76, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away September 5, 2023 at Dove West Healthcare.

She was born March 17, 1947 in Menomonie, WI to Lyle and LaVone (Johnson) Kuester. Kaye grew up in the Menomonie area and was the oldest of three siblings. She graduated from Menomonie High School in 1965.

Kaye married Allen Stevens on January 28, 1967, at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie. Together, they made their life in Tomah, WI where Allen taught at Tomah High School and Kaye worked a variety of jobs including driving bus for school events. They had three children. Later they divorced.

Kaye’s life transitioned to a career in the Army National Guard beginning in 1981. Her service to her country included duty assignments in WI National Guard: Tomah and Mauston, WI; Active-duty National Guard in Panama, Central America; Fort McCoy, WI; Little Rock, AR; Fort Knox, KY; Records Center, St. Louis, MO. She also had two short overseas tours in London and Germany.

Kaye received numerous awards and commendations during her years of service with the most notable being Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

In November 1998, Kaye married John Olson at the Military Chapel at Fort McCoy, WI. On December 1, 2005, Kaye’s son, Marine Sgt. Andy Stevens was killed in Iraq. Kaye was very proud of Andy’s, John’s, and her service to our country. Among them, they have seventy-four years of military service.

Kaye was active in a wide variety of service organizations. Closest to her heart was being the President of the Gold Star Mothers of Eau Claire County and State of Wisconsin as well as the American Legion, VFW, Purple Heart Chapter, Sunrise Exchange, and countless other passion projects.

She enjoyed time with her family and grandchildren, traveling, shopping, and humbly taking care of others. Kaye’s light and positive impact on others will continue to shine and make this country a better place.

Kaye is survived by her husband John; daughter Amy (Eric) Pelle of Rice Lake; stepdaughters Karla (Perry) Vanschoiack and Heidi (Jason) Pennycook of Janesville; grandsons Aaron Pelle, Ryan Pelle (Ximona Pederson), Zach Black; and granddaughter Helena Pennycook. She is further survived by siblings Larry (Vickie) Kuester and Duane (Sue) Kuester of Menomonie as well as other aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle & LaVone, and her sons Mark Stevens and Andy Stevens.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI with Pastor Christine Emerson officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 10, 2023, at St. John’s Church and one hour prior to the service at the church. Military honors will be performed by American Legion Post 53. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Menomonie, WI at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please give memorials to Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute, Gold Star Mothers and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Eau Claire. Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI is serving the family.