Kay A. (Millinzcek) Olson age 74, of Durand, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday February 9, 2021. 

Kay was born March 23, 1946 in the city of West St. Paul, MN.  She was the daughter of Alexander and Esther (Kraft) Millinczek.  At the age of 5 the family moved to Inver Grove Heights, MN.  She attended elementary and middle school in South St. Paul.  Kay was a member of the first graduating class of Simley Highschool in Inver Grove Heights, MN. 

After high school Kay attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls from 1964 – 1968.  She graduated with a degree in secondary education with a major in mathematics and minor in speech.  During this time she also met the love of her life, Terry Olson.  They wed on June 21, 1969 in South St. Paul, MN and were married for 51 years.  Kay worked as an educator in the state of Wisconsin for 33 years serving the school districts of Arkansaw, Durand, Cadott, and Altoona. 

Kay and Terry spent 8 years during the winter months in Arizona and Florida.  Some of her favorite pastimes were attending her grandchildren’s events, traveling, shopping (always in search of the “deal of the day”), playing cards, and spending time with friends and family. 

Kay is survived by her husband, Terry; children, Lance (Cindy) Olson of Hammond and Amanda (JR) Klepp of St. Paul, MN; 5 grandchildren: Angelica and Janessa Olson, Aidan, Sophia and Gabriela Klepp; brother, William Millinczek of Inver Grove Heights, MN; brothers-in-law, Wayne (JP) Olson of Hustler, Lanny (Kelly) Olson and Blake (Laura) Olson, Both of Mauston; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters-in-law, Kathy Millinczek and Lillian Olson

Visitation will be 12:00PM-1:30PM Monday, February 22, 2021 at Faith Lutheran Church in Durand. Private family services will be 1:30PM at the church on Monday. The service will be live streamed at Rhiel Funeral Home Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/rhielfuneralhome

Facial masks and social distancing are required.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Shirl Ruesch March 6, 2021, at 10:46pm

   My sincere sympathies to your family. My first 4 years of teaching were in Durand. She was a great lady to work with and especially to have fun with. Her light will shine forever.

2. Jessica M Fohrenkamm March 4, 2021, at 7:54pm

   Mrs. Olson was one of my favorite teachers at Altoona. She was always so caring and practical. Math was not my subject, and I appreciated her willingness to explain and reexplain. I'm a teacher now, and I hope that my students will remember me as fondly as I remember her. I'm so sorry to hear that she has passed. Blessings to her family and friends.

3. Michael & Theresa Gerten February 22, 2021, at 11:24pm

   Kay ..... We played together as chilren. We went to High School together. Our paths separated as young adults, but our frienship endured. May the Lord hold you in His arms as you rest in Peace . Sincerely Mike Gerten

4. Patricia Wallace Ruble February 22, 2021, at 9:47am

   My sincere sympathy to Kay's family. Kay was a HS classmate and friend. In 4-H, her mother taught us to sew and we sewed our way to county and state fairs. Kay was crowned a Princess more than once for her sewing, style and modeling. Kay was kind, fun and very capable at many things!
   Patricia Wallace Ruble - Simley 1964

5. Tim and Anne Gavigan February 21, 2021, at 3:39pm

   Kay’s passing was far too soon. We will long remember the kind and open person she was when we met her. We feel lucky to have known such a genuine person as her. Our heart goes out to Terry and her family. Our deepest condolences.

6. Mavis Kjarland February 19, 2021, at 4:57pm

   You have my heartfelt sympathy at the passing of Kay. I am sending love and prayers to the family of Kay

7. Lynne Strothman Pilgrim February 17, 2021, at 12:31pm

   Our deepest sympathy to Terry and all of Kay’s family. Kay was such a wonderful friend and roommate through our very memorable River Falls years. I treasure my memories of her. Kay, with her bright, vibrant and joyful personality will be greatly missed by everyone. Our prayers are with all of you.

8. Bob and Mary Zika and Family February 16, 2021, at 1:19pm

   Kay was such a wonderful and kind person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

9. Steve and Kathy Dahl February 16, 2021, at 10:21am

   So shocked and saddened to hear that Kay has passed. Our thoughts are with you all. Kay was wonderful, so kind and friendly to everyone, great teacher and just an all around great person. Our deepest sympathy.

10. Joe & Christi Liefring February 16, 2021, at 9:00am

    Terry and family our deepest sympathy to all of you. She was a great lady, I will miss her smile and kindness. May she be in heaven dancing with those angels

11. Tracy Deavers (Slowiak) February 15, 2021, at 10:03am

    My deepest sympathies with your family during this time.

12. Jan Engelsgjerd February 15, 2021, at 9:34am

    I am so sorry to hear of Kay's passing. I had the opportunity to work with her in Altoona. She was a great teacher and wonderful to work along side. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

13. christopher perrone February 15, 2021, at 7:15am

    sorry for your loss, Kay was a special sister to my friend Bill, may she and Kathi look down upon us

14. Randy & Sharon Bauer February 14, 2021, at 7:52pm

    Sharing our Prayers and Sympathy with you all during this time of grieving. I have heard tell that Grief is the realization that we have so much love for our loved ones that have recently passed but now no place for that Love to go. May you find great comfort & peace in all the Memories.

15. Sharon Olson February 14, 2021, at 6:54pm

    I was so sorry to hear of your loss Terry, Lance and family and Amanda and family. Kay will be missed . I will always remember the good times we shared. May God Bless and be with you all through this sad time.

16. John and Wanda Ryshkus February 14, 2021, at 10:02am

    Cousin Terry and Family, So deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere sympathy. Please know that others care, and are thinking and praying for you all. May God keep you all in his loving care. Wanda Adrion Ryshkus and family

17. Mark & Janet Holt February 12, 2021, at 5:59pm

    Terry and Family, We are so sorry for your lose. We already miss her smiling face in the neighborhood.

18. Tom and Sandra McBennett February 12, 2021, at 5:38pm

    We are so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of our dear friend Kay. We remember so many good times in Phoenix exploring the area, shopping consignment stores and visiting with family and friends at each others homes. Kay could, just with her presence light up a room and was always cheerful and positive. She is dearly missed by us. Arizona was never quite the same after you left, we are so blessed to have made your friendship a part of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and the fond memories we all hold for Kay will keep her memory alive forever. Your friends Tom and Sandra

19. John and Janet Butterbrodt February 12, 2021, at 4:56pm

    We were so sorry to hear of Kay’s sudden passing. We got to know her when she taught with us in Cadott, WI. She had a delightful sense of humor which will be missed. Our sympathies to the family.
    John and Janet Butterbrodt

20. Patti Blount February 12, 2021, at 3:59pm

    I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Kay. She was a very nice lady and I learned a lot from her over the years that I knew her. Sympathy to Terry and her family during this difficult time.

21. Don and Jane Rahman February 12, 2021, at 9:28am

    The world and your family has lost an amazing person! Kay always had a positive view of life and a very great, great sense of humor! Our friendship goes back to our first years in Durand and we are blessed with many wonderful memories of our family. God Bless !

22. Jack and Jane Weber February 12, 2021, at 8:38am

    Our sympathy to your family Terry. Kay was such a delightful person and she made the world a better place.

23. Debbie Struck February 11, 2021, at 10:38pm

    I way so saddened to see to see Kay's obituary. I loved working with her and her great sense of humor. She was an excellent teacher. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. She will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences

24. Jane Adler-Corning February 11, 2021, at 8:39pm

    Terry, Lance, Amanda, and family. So sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. She was always so full of life! Always a story to tell. My favorite was when she interviewed at Altoona. She told me they had asked what she taught and she replied. “I teach kids. Math”. Not that she taught a subject. She taught kids. That’s who Kay was. Caring. Selfless. And always willing to help! Lots of lucky students and of course a great wife, mom, and grandmother. Cherish all your wonderful memories of a life well lived. I’m grateful to have known her.

25. Sara Kallstrom February 11, 2021, at 8:27pm

    Grant and I are so saddened by Kay’s passing. She was such a kind and generous person who was always there to supply helpful advice or a wry joke. Terry, Lance, Amanda, and the entire family is in our thoughts.

26. Robin Rubisch February 11, 2021, at 7:57pm

    My deepest sympathy to Kayes family-she was a very friendly and energetic lady-she and the family will be in my daily prayers-God Bless

27. Bridgett Raine February 11, 2021, at 5:45pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about your wife and mom. She was my teacher in 7th grade, 10th and my senior year. She was one of my best ever math teachers. She prepared me for college... my freshman year math class was basically her class all over again. She did more than teach me math. She told me that I can do whatever I set my mind to, that I was smart and independent. She pushed me. She was very professional, fancy, polished. I’m so grateful I got to have her for a teacher.
    I’m so sorry for your loss.

28. Steve Sedlmayr February 11, 2021, at 1:13pm

    Terry & Family ... My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you celebrate Kay's life. The two of you were a great partnership which is so very important with the careers we chose.

29. Richard Curtis February 11, 2021, at 11:13am

    The thoughts and prayers of all of us remain with you and your family, Lance. Sincerely, Curt

30. Kristine A Polzer February 11, 2021, at 9:29am

    Our sympathy to you Terry and to you family. Kay was a lovely lady who will be missed.

    Dave and Kris Polzer

31. Marcia Berger February 11, 2021, at 7:13am

    My deepest sympathy to the Olson family. Kay was my Junior High math teacher.
    She was a great teacher and a beautiful lady. So sorry for your loss.

32. Pat Petrie /Kurth February 10, 2021, at 10:33pm

    I felt very saddened to learn of Kay's death. She was a special fellow teacher of mine. We both started around the same time. She was so bubbly and full of energy-fun to be around. My heart goes out to Terry and the family. May she rest in peace.dylx

33. Pat Rosenberg February 10, 2021, at 10:27pm

    I was so saddened to see that My Words With Friends buddy passed away yesterday. My prayers of love and sympathy to her family. What a wonderful lady. May she rest in the peace of the Lord. May her family find consolation in all the outstanding memories of her. God Bless!????????❤️

34. Eugene and Stella Nagel February 10, 2021, at 10:06pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers ????are for your family. Sending our love, prayers and hugs.

35. Arlene J. (Adrion) Lee February 10, 2021, at 9:55pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss. May God go with you all at this sad time. You will have your special angel in heaven but I know it will be hard for you all now.????✝️

36. Earl and Marcy Larson February 10, 2021, at 8:23pm

    We were so shocked to hear of Kay's passing. Please accept our sincere sympathies for her loss. (I thought of Kay everytime I made her famous trail mix - best recipe ever.) Fondly, Earl & Marcy

37. Jan Oestreich February 10, 2021, at 8:14pm

    Kay was a wonderful friend, a great teacher, she always beat us at cards, and she had a wry sense of humor that I cherished. She will be remembered always. My deepest condolences to your family.

38. Donna Karshbaum February 10, 2021, at 7:54pm

    Kay was a Beautiful Lady, I am So Sorry for Your Loss, God Bless You All! ❤️????????❤️

39. Glenys Kraft February 10, 2021, at 7:26pm

    So sorry to hear of Kay's passing. Condolesces to Terry, Lance and Amanda and family. I can still hear her laugh!

40. Bill and Peggy Harycki February 10, 2021, at 7:19pm

    Dear Terry, Lance and Amanda,
    We are so sorry to hear of Kay’s death. She was a fun person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

41. Jamie “Bomber” Karshbaum February 10, 2021, at 6:47pm

    So sorry for you loss, your family will be in my prayers. Always loved her Spirit while playing ball with Amanda. Rest In Peace ma’am.

42. Sharon I. Gingras February 10, 2021, at 6:22pm

    We were sorry to hear of Kay's passing. Our sincerest sympathy to all of you. J. Henry and Sharon Gingras

43. Linda Talford February 10, 2021, at 5:42pm

    Deepest sympathy to you all. Kay was always willing to help out with church fundraisers and I enjoyed visiting with her while handing out our monthly meal bags this last summer. She will be missed by many.

44. Jane Flesher February 10, 2021, at 5:26pm

    I will miss Kay. Her energy and perpetual smile will be missed by all who knew her. Terry, Lance, and Amanda and their families will be in our thoughts.

45. Brenda Smith February 10, 2021, at 4:54pm

    I am so sorry for the loss of Kay, she was such a wonderful person. Keep your memories close and you have an amazing Angel watching over your great family.kvgpvme

46. Pete, Terri, and Adler family February 10, 2021, at 4:48pm

    Our sincere condolences to Terry and your family, Kay was a great lady. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Adler’s

47. Janice Adrion Reisdorfer February 10, 2021, at 4:47pm

    I am so shocked to receive this news & so saddened. Please know that the Adrion family all send their sympathy to you all. She was a special person. Love & hugs from cousin Janice. Sharing in your sorrow.

48. Carol Richardson February 10, 2021, at 4:37pm

    Sympathy and prayers to all. Kay was my math teacher. One of the best. Sad to hear this news.

49. Patti & Rick Gould February 10, 2021, at 4:27pm

    Both Rick and I were very saddened by the loss of Kay. What a great lady. May the memories and love surround you at this extremely difficult time.

50. Terri Dematteo February 10, 2021, at 4:19pm

    We are so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. She was a kind, warm and friendly person. It was always enjoyable to run into her when out in the community. Many prayers for Terry, Lance, Amanda and entire family.

51. Annie Oxenhandler February 10, 2021, at 3:48pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful woman and mother to so many. I always felt welcomed and loved by her.

52. Trudi Lane February 10, 2021, at 3:33pm

    So sorry to hear about Kay. She was always so kind and had a smile for everyone she met. I remember so fondly the kids coming over to the house to play when they were little and the memories always make me grin. She will be missed. Prayers for Kay and the whole family.

53. Francisco Segura Blanco February 10, 2021, at 3:22pm

    Lo siento mucho Amanda. Muchos ánimos. Un beso muy fuerte.

54. Diana Coffey February 10, 2021, at 3:22pm

    Terry, Lance and Amanda, I am sorry for your loss. With sympathy, Diana

55. Mark and Crystal Weber February 10, 2021, at 3:17pm

    We are so deeply saddened by your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

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