Peggy Darlene Olson Obituary (1932 - 2017)

Peggy Olson, 84, of Carlisle, Iowa, died Sunday, October 1, 2017, due to complications following surgery. Peggy was born December 15, 1932, in Mower County, Minnesota, to Elso Ryks, Jr., and Bernice (Torrens) Ryks. She graduated from Austin High School and married Kenneth Olson on June 30, 1952, in Austin; they divorced in 1978. Peggy and Ken moved to Palmyra in 1966, where they owned and operated the Palmyra General Store until its closing. In the 1960s, Peggy worked from home, embroidering the intricate designs on bowling shirts. She also worked for Rite Beverage and then made her career with Hartford-Carlisle Savings Bank, from 1969 until her retirement as a cashier in 1994. She belonged to Hartford Presbyterian Church for many years and served as an Elder. Approximately 20 years ago, she became a member of First Assembly of God Church in Indianola. Peggy volunteered for numerous nonprofit organizations, including many years for the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and The Helping Hand of Warren County. She also belonged to several clubs, including the Palmyra Stitchery Club for nearly 50 years and Pandora Club. She was an avid reader for learning, found joy in her flower and vegetable gardens, and was dedicated to her family, church, and caring for animals. She also enjoyed fishing, puzzles, and helping others. Peggy is survived by two brothers, Donald (Mary Anne) Ryks and David (Connie) Ryks, all of Plymouth, Minnesota; her best friend/sister, Lucille Hanson, of Austin, Minnesota; her children, Ramona (Steven) Tharp of Guthrie Center, Cheryl (Stephen) Darr of Carlisle, and Douglas (Brenda) Olson of Holland, Michigan; her six grandchildren, Jason Wiley of South Lake Tahoe, California, Josh Wiley (Steven Conforti) of Phoenix, Arizona, Stephanie Owen of Carlisle, Brandon Olson of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Cassie Olson and Alex Olson of Holland, Michigan; and one great-grandchild, Stephen Owen of Carlisle. She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Janice Kay. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at 11 a.m., at Peterson's Funeral Home in Carlisle, with a luncheon visitation at the Paul Koch Center at Hartford Sportsman's Club from 12 to 2 p.m.. In lieu of plants, the family will be accepting memorial donations to go to an animal rescue program(s). Online condolences may be made at www.petersonfuneralservice.com