Howard “Howie” K. Olson, 68, of Sparta, died Friday, May 16, 2008 at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, La Crosse.  He was born on June 29, 1939 in Viroqua, WI to Adolph and Violet (Ostrander) Olson.  He grew up in Viroqua and graduated from Viroqua High School. He attended barber school in Eau Claire, WI.  He then worked in La Crosse. 

     He married Sue Stenslien on August 21, 1971 in Sparta.  He started working in Sparta as a barber and worked at Captain’s Corner for 37 years.  He enjoyed his trips up north, casinos, widdling wooden canes with his neighbor Jim, the Milwaukee Brewers, and sports.  He adored and loved his granddaughter, Lillian.

     He was a member of the American Legion Post 100.

     He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sue of Sparta; son, Nicholas (Jennifer) Olson of Sturgeon Bay, WI; a daughter, Andrea (Kevin Peterson) Olson of Sparta; a granddaughter, Lillian; a brother, John Gary (Marge) Olson of La Crosse; his mother-in-law, Telona Stenslien of Viroqua, WI; a sister-in-law, Alene Stenslien of Viroqua, WI; a brother-in-law, Elwin Harris of Wausau, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Geraldine and Muriel “Mungo” Haun, Neola Olson, Evelyn and William “Bill” Romanshek, and Verlaine Harris; a brother, Eldridge Olson; and a special niece, Sandra Hanson.

     Family and friends are invited to call at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, on Sunday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Private family burial will be in Viroqua, WI.