Arnette Rene Olson Obituary (1950 - 2010)

ARNETTE R. OLSON Arnette R. Olson, age 60, of Grand View, WI passed away Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN following a long battle with Kidney Disease. She fought numerous medical conditions throughout her life. Arnette was the recipient of the first cadaver kidney transplant performed at Mayo Clinic. She retained that cadaver kidney for 23 years, and for many years Arnette was the longest living cadaver kidney recipient. She went on to receive two more kidney transplants, one of which was from her sister, Debra. They ultimately failed and she had been on dialysis for the remainder of her life. The former Arnette Rene Olson was born Sept. 22, 1950 in Eau Claire, WI to Arnold and Naida (Welcome) Olson. She was raised in Menomonie and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1969. Arnette married Claire Sweet on March 29, 1975. They lived in Kirby, WI till 1978 and moved in 1979 to West Salem, WI, and later divorced. Arnette was baptized and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Onalaska, WI. In addition to raising her family, Arnette owned and operated Sweet Retreat boarding kennel for many years. She has resided at Grand View, WI since 1998. Arnette loved and had a menagerie of animals. She volunteered at local dog shelters, enjoyed writing and was a wonderful cook, making exceptionally inviting meals. Arnette is survived by: Her children, Alanna (John) Hansen of Eau Claire and Mathew Sweet of Onalaska A grandson Jayce Hansen of Eau Claire Her mother, Naida Olson of Menomonie Brothers and sisters, Debra Olson of Rock Falls Cory (Doug) Campbell of Big Fork, MN Ward (Gloria) Olson of Belgrade, MT DeEtte (David) Reneson of Menifee, CA She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Arnold Olson. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, 2010 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie. Family and friends are welcome at the funeral home from 12:00 (noon) on Friday until the time of the service.