Ella Beanida Olstad

Ella Bendina Olstad, 98, of La Crosse, died January 23, 2019 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. She was born January 9, 1921 to Edward and Bertha (Olson) Wangen, Lanesboro, MN. She was baptized, confirmed and married by Rev. N. S. Magelssen at Elstad Lutheran Church. She graduated from Lanesboro High School and later attended classes at WWTI in La Crosse. She married Juel N. Olstad on August 25, 1945.

Ella was a former president of Bethany Auxiliary and a former president of St. Paul's Lutheran Church ALCW. She taught Sunday school for several years as well as being a Girl Scout leader in the Riverland Council. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church since January 1954, the Ruth (Elizabeth) Circle and WELCA and was active in their stewardship work for Lutheran World Relief. Ella enjoyed quilting, knitting sweaters and working on LWR projects. She was proof-reader for the St. Paul's Lutheran Church "Bond" and weekly worship service bulletins for several years as well as assembling them.

Ella is survived by a daughter, Joan Olstad Robinson, Albuquerque, NM. She is also survived by two sisters, Orillie Iverson, Byron, MN and Gladys Ziemer, St James, MN, one brother, Merlin (Marge) Wangen, Onalaska, WI, many nieces and nephews, cousins in Norway, whom she and her family enjoyed visiting in 1964, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Juel in August 1993, her parents, four brothers, James, Kenneth, twins Peter and Palmer, two sisters, Ruth Beatty and Marian Bothun, and son-in-law Jack Robinson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 2:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 420 West Avenue So., La Crosse. Burial of remains will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Salvation Army, Bethany Lutheran Homes, or the charity of your choice in Ella's name. Thanks to the assisted living staff, employees and friends at Bethany on Cass for a great place to live.