Frieda Rose Olesen

FRIEDA ROSE "Fritzie" OLESEN, age 93, of Elgin, formerly of Lily Lake, passed away surrounded by the love and prayers of her family on May 26, 2011. BORN: She was born March 20, 1918, the daughter of John and Wanda Ermisch in Maywood, IL. EARLY YEARS:Frieda grew up in a Lutheran Orphanage in Addison, IL, and attended local schools. When Frieda came of age she became the nanny and housekeeper for the orphanage pastor and his family. At age 16, she left and found work at a local bakery while playing organ at a local church and a nearby roller rink. MARRIAGE: Frieda met Bill Olesen through mutual friends. What began as a friendship quickly blossomed into love. They were united in marriage on April 18, 1942 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Forest Park, IL. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: One month later, Bill was drafted into the United States Army. Frieda stayed home and kept the home fires burning, sharing an apartment with three other women who also had husbands overseas. Two years later when Bill returned to civilian life, they moved to Bartlet for time before moving to Lily Lake where they made their home on the Hanson Farm where they continued to raise three beautiful daughters, . When they were grown and Bill and Frieda retired, they moved Plato Center. Later, when Bill’s health declined, Frieda moved near his nursing home in Elgin where she continued to make her home. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Rosie was one of the many women chosen to embody the spirit of "Rosie The Riveter" riveting cones to the front of planes at the Douglass Aircraft Manufacturing, now O’Hare Airport. Frieda delivered eggs to local families as well as several hospitals, including forty dozen to Delnor Hospital. Before working as a waitress at Little Traveler she worked as a punch press operator for Portable Electric Tools in Geneva. MEMBERSHIPS: She was a faithful member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Lily Lake where she was a Sunday School teacher. Frieda was a leader for many years for the Lily Lake Girls 4-H club. She was one of several local farmers wives who met monthly as part of social club where they supported each other, share stories and ate delicious food. LIFE NOTES: While the girls were in grade school, Frieda would take sacks from flour and seeds and transform magically into clothes for her children. In addition to being an accomplished seamstress, Frieda also was musically gifted playing the piano, organ, accordion and harmonica. She also was an artist who expressed herself through oil painting. Frieda also had a knack for gardening and always seemed to gather bountiful harvests that she shared with friends and family. In the event that her hands became idle, she was adept at counted cross stitch. A woman blessed with wonderful talents blessed her family and friends more with her loving compassion, generous nature and infectious laughter. She will be missed by many and never forgotten. SURVIVORS: She is survived by three children:Karen Lynn Leonard of Elgin, IL,Connie Sue (Dr. Greg) Orbeta of West Chicago, IL and Evelyn "Jean" Bowgren of Harvard, IL;Three grandchildren:Bradley S. (Sheri) Hampel,Boyd W. Muirhead, Kelly R. (Phil) Foree, Seven great-grandchildren:Zack and Max Hampel, Ares, James and Glenn Muirhead and Skye and Rylie Foree; Many nieces, nephews and a family of friends. PRECEDED:She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, three brothers: Herbert, Paul, Walter Ermisch; her nephew Russel Ermisch and two son-in-laws: Robert E. Leonard and Lee W. Bowgren.VISITATION / FUNERAL Private family services and burial will occur at a later date. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in their name to benefit her favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Frieda Olesen Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Private family services

Private family commital service