Mary Etta (Olsen) Kildahl

Mary Kildahl, age 72, of Wilson, Wisconsin died Thursday, October 19, 2017 at her home in Cady Township.

VISITATION: will be Friday, October 27, from 4-6 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: will be held at 6 p.m. following visitation at Zion on Friday.

Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

   Mary Etta ( Olsen } Kildahl passed away Thursday Oct.19, 2017 at her home in Cady Township, rural Wilson, Wisconsin at the age of 72.

   Mary was born on July 13, 1945 to H. Lemoine ("Pete"} Olsen and Henrietta {"Etta"} {Wessels} Olsen at Baldwin, Wisconsin. Her early childhood years were on the family farm in Pleasant Valley, south of Hammond, Wisconsin where she and her brother Carver attended elementary school. Due to health concerns involving allergens to certain plant spores her father was forced to abandon his first love of farming and move off the family homestead to River Falls in 1957. He was able to return to the University of Minnesota and finish his Business Degree and then proceed to build the Colonial Motel in 1961 and the Coachman Supper Club in 1963 on the newly finished Interstate 94 and US 63 at the Baldwin, Wisconsin Exchange. Mary continued her education and graduated from River falls High School in 1963. After High School Mary and some friends ventured to the West Coast to Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Mary was employed by Hughes Aircraft Company in a secretarial position. Her time out West was a fond and lasting memory for her.  In High School Mary had participated in Marching Band and was recognized for her ability in Girl's Athletics, especially basketball and swimming. She also loved Luther League at Ezekiel Lutheran in River Falls. She was a very good student.  After returning to Wisconsin, Mary entered University of Wisconsin-River Falls and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education. 

    At about this time she unfortunately suffered a number of periods of a debilitating illness that has affected others in her family also. With her Faith and support from many others, she was able to persevere and carry on. She had a sweetness and empathy for others with similar problems as a result.  Mary was united in marriage to Robert Kildahl on July 25,1975 and they settled on the Kildahl family homestead and built a new home there. It provided her a good sanctuary and she cherished her many times with the Kildahl and Kerr families, big reunions golf tournaments, participating with her US Army Veteran husband at the Legion Post in Woodville, Wisconsin, pulling for "The Pack'', and being with all who knew her.

  Mary devoted herself to working at the Coachman Supper Club , Baldwin, Wisconsin and was an integral part of the family's business for nearly 30 years until her father's untimely death in 1989 and until the family’s decision to sell in 1991.  She continued to keep busy and worked at Kwik Trip near her home. She also was able to take care of Bob during his illness and passing in 2000. From that time she found a new sense of peace, especially from the hectic restaurant business. A time to relax and watch the sun come up and over her spot on the earth, back on the farm. She did some travelling, took a cruise, enjoyed her ceramics, her times with friends at the Senior center in Woodville, and the wonderful fellowship with fellow believers at Zion Lutheran in Woodville and Ezekiel Lutheran in River Falls where she was confirmed.

 She loved and cherished all of her many friends and co-workers and customers over the years in St. Croix County and beyond.  People enjoyed her smiling face and contagious laughter.  We miss you already, Mary.  May God keep you until we meet again! 

  Mary was preceded in death by her loving parents, "Pete" and "Etta" Olsen, Uncle Kenneth R. Olsen, loving husband Robert Kildahl, brother Carver Lemoine Olsen and his daughter, and Mary's niece Cynthia Laura ("Cindy"} Olsen. 

   Mary is survived by her loving brother Greg of New Richmond, and loving sister Susan ["Sue"} of River Falls. Also Sister-In-Law Carol of Northfield, Mn., Nephew Chad Lemoine Olsen and Wendy. Their children and Mary’s special Grand Nieces Danielle and Samantha, all of River Falls.  Aunt Marjorie and Jerry Ellefson, of Hudson, Sonja, Heidi, and Jerry Jon and families.  Waalen and Peterson families, Cousins Camille Lenling of Burnsville, Mn and Laurie Ann Davidson of Pensacola, Fla. and families, cousins Randall Ken Olsen, Fred Olsen, and Sandra Silverman.  Mary is also survived by husband Bob Kildahl's many friends and family, the Kerr Family , and thanks to all those who gave love and support to Mary.   Special thanks to Carey Kerr for his outstanding, unselfish, and unending support he provided Mary in so many ways.