Annabel VanCleve Olsen, 92, died on February 5th, 2011 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana.
Annabel was born July 15, 1918 on the family farm near Hardin, MT. She was the daughter of Guy T. and Mary Gilleland VanCleve. She grew up on the family homestead with her sister, Gretchen. Annabel graduated from Hardin High School and earned a B.S. degree in Medical Technology from the University of Montana.
While working at the Great Falls Clinic, she met Ole Olsen. They married on December 31, 1943 and were married for 66 years. When Ole went into service for WWII, Annabel joined the Navy and served as a WAVE for two years. After the war, they settled in Great Falls where their three children were born. She and Ole moved to Helena in 1968.
As she raised her family, Annabel worked as a medical technician and an x-ray technician at several facilities in Great Falls and Helena. She retired in 1981. Annabel had been a member of Eastern Star, taught Sunday school and served as a Boy Scout leader for her children. She enjoyed researching family history and was a member of the Lewis and Clark Genealogy Society. After retiring, Annabel and Ole enjoyed traveling and gardening. They were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church. For the last few years, she enjoyed her stay at Son Heaven. The family would like to thank the staff and friends for their loving care.
Annabel is survived by her husband, Olaf and her three children, Donna (Keith) Kohnke of Billings, David (Leona) Olsen of Helena and Dale (Gail) Olsen of Cottonwood, Arizona. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Amy, Jenny, Todd and Rachel; her great-granddaughters, Kaitlin, McKenzie and Lauren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for friends and family will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 12, 2011. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial of her remains will be at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Amy Pang says
I’m so sorry to hear of Annabel’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kohnke family.
Brenda Coates says
We can’t make it to the funeral, but send condolences to all. Love and hugs to Uncle Ole, too!
Carol Dolan says
I worked with Annabel many years ago at the Helena Medical Clinic. She was such an easygoing lady and wonderful to work with. My prayers are with your family.
Helen Moze & Melanie Graham says
Ole and Annabelle were such great friends to Helen and Frank. They had so many good times together in GF and Helena. I’ll print the obituary and take it to Helen who has just moved to assited living. Thank you Dale for calling mom to tell her about Annabelle. Our love to you and your dad.
Jim and Jo Swain says
We are both thinking of you and your family.
Love,
Jim, Jo, Hannah and Haley
Jim Peter says
Annabelle was an icon at the Montana Chapter of the Beer Can Collectors, where she always had a kind word and a gentle smile for everyone.
I will treasure forever the wonderful times I had with Annabelle and Ole at the beer collector shows in Reno and Las Vegas.
Annabelle will always be remembered in our hearts. Our symphonies, thoughts and prayers are with Ole and the rest of the family.