Obituary: Virginia K. Olson

Virginia K. Olson died March 15, 2016.

She was born to Elizabeth M. and Joseph E. Frank in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on January 17, 1927. “Jinx” graduated from South Milwaukee High School in 1945 and received her undergraduate degree from La Crosse College (now University of Wisconsin-La Crosse), in 1949. She received her masters degree from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1957. Jinx was a professor in Physical Education and Collegiate Coaching at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, for 17 years.

Jinx loved all sports, especially sailing and skiing, choral singing and nature. At Colorado State University, Jinx was given the “Top Professor” Award in 1963, the first woman to receive this award. The University enrolled her in the Hall of Fame for her years of teaching and coaching.

Jinx married Ben Olson, building contractor, of Jacksonport, Wisconsin, in 1965. They shared his “retirement years” operating a charter fishing boat out of Baileys Harbor Yacht Club for five years. They both had 50 ton licenses from the U.S. Coast Guard. They also teamed up running Charlie Voight’s Bounty to Rock Island State Park for five years.

Jinx is survived by her daughter-in-law, Penny Olson and two grandsons, Ben Olson (Lisa) and Matt Olson (Jill) and five great grandchildren: Jay and Zachary Olson and Haley, Brittney and Jacob Olson. Also surviving are nieces and nephews: Kurt, Karl and Krista Larson and Joseph, John, and James Higgins and Mary Murphy, relatives and good friends.

As a long time member of St. Mary of the Lake Church in Baileys Harbor, Jinx was active in the Ladies Altar and Rosary Sodality and the choir. She also was a member of the Peninsula Chambers Singers Choir for 13 years.

A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.