Shirley A. Olson

Dodgeville – Shirley A. Olson, age 77, of Dodgeville, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Shirley was born on February 6, 1949, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. She graduated from Barneveld High School and, shortly after graduation, met the love of her life, Jerry (Cowboy) Olson. They were united in marriage on December 20, 1968, in Dodgeville and shared 58 wonderful years together. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed many trips to their family ranch in South Dakota, where they found peace in the simplicity of nature and in each other's company. For 36 years, Shirley dedicated her working life to Lands' End before retiring to spend more time with the people she loved most. Shirley was, above all else, a maker. She was a maker of a home, a maker of family, and a maker of lifelong friendships. Wherever Shirley was, everyone was welcome. Her home was a place where family gathered, laughter was shared, and no one ever left without feeling loved. She was the unwavering foundation and guiding heart of her family—one husband, six children, fourteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren all looked to her for strength, comfort, and unconditional love. She found joy in life's simple pleasures. Shirley loved Christmas, garage sales, gambling, baking—especially pies for her family—and taking weekly trips with her sisters. She delighted in giving gifts, carefully choosing each one and wrapping it to perfection. Every package had to have curly ribbons; otherwise, in Shirley's eyes, it simply wasn't finished. She had a special way of making every celebration, holiday, and ordinary day feel meaningful. To quote Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Shirley made everyone around her feel welcomed, valued, and deeply loved. Her kindness was effortless, her generosity endless, and her greatest gift was making others feel at home in her presence. With a heart that gave love so freely and a spirit that brought comfort and smiles to those around her, Shirley left a lasting melody in the lives of everyone who knew her. Just as the words of her favorite song, Songbird, remind us: "For you there'll be no crying, for the sun will be shining, 'cause I feel that when I'm with you, it's alright." Her kindness, grace, and unwavering love will continue to echo in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Shirley is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Olson; her six children, Travise (Patricia) Olson of Linden, Jason Olson, Caine Olson, Heather (Daniel Judd) Olson, Justice (Sadie) Olson, and Tyrus Olson, all of Dodgeville; her fourteen grandchildren, Tricia, Cheznee, Josi, Wilder, Bryce, Baily, Brighton, Sidney, Langdon, Harper, Garrison, Finley, Addalyn, and Arlo; her nine great-grandchildren, Jalen, Kirsten, Brylen, Benjamin, William, Amelia, Archer, Aaliyah, and Elijah; her siblings, Darlene Johnson, Deborah Rhyner, Robert (Susan) Forbes, William (Vicki) Forbes, Monica (Monte) Olday, and Thomas Forbes; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Stuart (Eileen) Goldsmith, John Goldsmith, Doug (Cheri Girard) Olson, James (Tammy) Goldsmith, Carla Andersen, and Donna Ahlsten; many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Virginia Forbes; her father-in-law, Clifford Olson; her mother-in-law, Bette (Eldon) Goldsmith; her sister, Phyllis Wise; her brothers-in-law, Rodney Wise, Marvin Rhyner, Michael Olson, Curt Ahlsten, Richard Andersen, and Ronald Johnson; her sister-in-law, Debra Forbes; her nieces, Hope and Shea Forbes; and her nephews, Ryan Goldsmith and Matt Ahlsten. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Friday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville. Shirley's greatest legacy will forever be the love she poured into her family, her friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind not only memories, but a home built on love, generosity, and the simple gift of making others feel they belonged.

Shirley A. Olson

February 6, 1949 - July 12, 2026