James Alton Olson

James "Jim" A. Olson passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at his home in Menomonie, Wisconsin where he had been cared for by his daughter, Carla Olson, and other family members.

Jim's life was grounded in a deep Christian faith that shaped every aspect of who he was. His generosity, humility, and willingness to serve his church, neighbors, and community reflected his unwavering commitment to putting God and his family first.

Born on September 17, 1930, to Mary and Alton Olson, Jim attended Menomonie High School where he met the love of his life, Carol, on a street corner in front of Lee's Drug Store. Jim always joked that Carol "played hard to get," but he knew she was the woman he wanted to spend his life with.

Jim and Carol were married on June 24, 1952, at Calvary Lutheran Church. Together they built a life on their farm south of Menomonie, where they raised five children while embracing every opportunity that came their way. Never one to shy away from a new idea, Jim expanded the farm to include 6,000 laying hens—an ambitious investment that proved tremendously successful, producing more than 5,000 eggs daily.

Jim was born to be a farmer. His strong work ethic guided him throughout his life. As a young boy he completed chores before and after school and was driving tractors before he was tall enough to comfortably see over the steering wheel. He instinctively understood the land, knowing when rain was coming and rotating crops to ensure healthy harvests.

Jim also possessed a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. Long before online investing, he carefully studied the stock market and built a successful investment portfolio through patience, discipline, and hard work. Despite his financial success, his greatest joy was using those resources to provide opportunities for his family. One fond family memory was planting pickles to earn enough money for a new family car. Once the goal was reached, the remaining pickle crop became spending money for the children who had helped harvest it.

Recognizing the need for wholesome activities for local youth, Jim built Rolling Wheels Skating Rink in 1976. The rink became much more than a business—it became a gathering place where generations of families built friendships, celebrated milestones, and created lasting memories.

Jim faithfully served New Hope Lutheran Church in Downsville and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson in countless ways, from serving on the church council to maintaining church property and supporting fundraising efforts such as the annual CROP Walk. He was especially proud of the thousands of dollars he helped raise while walking beside his children and grandchildren.

Jim and Carol treasured traveling together throughout Europe, Hawaii, Tucson, Arizona. Wherever they traveled, strangers quickly became lifelong friends.

Jim was known for his quiet wisdom, warm smile, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether sharing stories around the kitchen table, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, or encouraging his children and grandchildren, he led by example. His greatest legacy is faith, love, integrity, and generosity that continue to inspire his family.

Jim will be deeply missed by his children, Bruce (Teresa) Olson, Cynthia Woods, Carla Olson, Courtney (Lisa) Olson, and son in law Luke (Hollie) Helminski; grandchildren Cory (Stephanie), Kyle (Katie), and Dustin (Brittany) Olson, Bruce (Margo) Neverdahl, Crystal (Paul) Poisson, Tashiana and Miranda Olson; Jonathon Churchill, Gabrielle (Mark) Anderson; Quincy (Addie) Olson, Eva (Ryan) Keeler, Samantha (Jason) Vold and Benjamin Helminski; 23 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; extended family; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Hollie Helminski, sisters Leona and Phyllis Olson, and Ione Pratt, brother Roger Olson, granddaughter Ambur Hereau, and great-grandson Dravin Larson.

A special thanks to Adoray Hospice, especially Jen and Josie as well as Kaye Detar for their kindness and the wonderful support they provided to both Jim and his family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Downsville with Pastor Alison Westphal and Pastor Brian Pratt officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service and a luncheon immediately following the service. Private burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery at a later date.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com