Rosealie Melvina Olesen

Rosalie Melvina "Sue" Olesen, 72, of Petersburg passed away on Sunday, May 10 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Sue was born May 4, 1937 in McCracken, Kansas to Russell Alonzo & Laura Melvina Sperry. She married Floyd Olesen on September 3, 1955 in Lisle, Illinois. She is survived by her husband, Floyd; four children, Debbie Boeker of Tallula (companion Tom Owen), Cheri Olesen of Beaumont,Tx, Peter Olesen (wife Judy) of Petersburg and Kathy Olesen (friend Lois Adams) of Springfield. Sue is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Rachel Boeker, Krista Boeker (companion Jason Winters) all of Tallula , Stowe Olesen of Petersburg, Jay Basso (wife Robyn) of Chicago, Jodi Eberle (husband Lan) of Canton, Molly Gambrel (husband Ben) of Elgin. There are also 3 great grandchildren; Anthony Eberle, Eli Eberle & Cali Gambrel. She is also survived by one brother, Paul Sperry of New Berlin & one sister, Donna Smith (husband Roger) of Pleasant Plains as well as several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Sue proudly attended Crackneck Grade School near Bradforton & graduated from Pleasant Plains High School in 1955. Over the years she worked at National Bank of Petersburg, AMAC Grain Elevator & Williamsville Grain Co-op. Sue was dedicated to her family, her home and her gardens. She spent countless hours tending her perennial gardens and will be remembered for her love of the outdoors and nature. Her children all inherited her love of gardening and flowers and will carry on, along with their Dad, in their Mom's tradition and memory. Her love of gardening was matched by her enthusiasm for PORTA sports of all kinds and will be remembered as the Number 1 Fan of her grandson Stowe's teams. One of her proudest moments was the publishing of a book called "Tallula Illinois, A Look Through The Years " that she wrote during her chemotherapy in 2007. She was also instrumental in organizing the brick sales for the Tallula Memorial Project. The Village of Tallula was close to her heart and proceeds from the book were used to fund several local projects including the Memorial. Sue was a fighter right to the end and will be remembered for her fiery spirit and warm smile. We were all blessed to have her in our lives and she will be greatly missed by family and friends. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14. Burial will be at Rosehill Cemetery, Petersburg. Memorials can be made in Sue's name to The Menard County Rescue Squad or The Menard County Garden Club.

Rosealie Melvina Olesen

May 4, 1937 - May 10, 2009

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