Gladys Elaine Olson

Gladys Elaine Olson, age 88 of Manhattan, Kansas, died Friday, November 29, 2013 at the Via Christi Village in Manhattan, Kansas. She was born on November 30, 1924, at Cleburne, Kansas, the daughter of David and Bertha (Johnson) Gustafson. She graduated from Cleburne High School in 1942 and Bethany College in 1949. She taught at Luther Academy and College in Wahoo, Nebraska, St. Paul’s High School and College in Concordia, Missouri and later at Erie High School. She was a member of the Friends Home Lutheran Church and the Olsburg Lutheran Church. In retirement she loved to read and play table games. She was married to Clifford Olson on September 1, 1963 in Erie, Kansas. He preceded her in death in 1994. After Clifford’s death she moved to Olsburg and later to Manhattan. She is survived by two step sons, Larry Olson of Estes Park, Colorado and Steve Olson of Springfield, Missouri, eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and two nieces. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Bertil Gustafson and one sister, Louise Southerland. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at the Olsburg Lutheran Church in Olsburg, Kansas, with Rev. Gordon L. Sandquist officiating. Music was furnished by Alice Gibson. Pallbearers were Gregory Olson, Eric Olson, Isaac Mark, Jonathan Keim, David Keim, Nathan Mark and Joshua Keim. A graveside service was held on December 11, 2013 at the Swedish Cemetery west of Savonburg, Kansas with Rev. Sidney Hose officiating. Memorial contributions have been established for the Olsburg Lutheran Church and the Friends Home Lutheran Church.