Barbara J. Oleson, 71, of Burnett Street, LaMoille died March 3, 2015, in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria following a courageous battle with cancer.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Arlington, with the Rev. Patrick Fixsen officiating. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Blossom Hill Cemetery, Badger, Iowa.
Visitation is 3-5 p.m. Sunday in Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.
She was born Oct. 11, 1943, in Downers Grove to Larry and Liz (Jeffery) Bertolin. She married Blake Oleson on May 7, 1966, in St. Joseph's Church, Downers Grove.
She attended the University of Iowa. She owned her own business, The Tole Station, for several years in LaMoille selling her custom artwork. She also was employed by LaMoille High School for 20 years.
She was a member of St. Patrick's Church. She was an avid reader and greatly enjoyed her book club. She continuously pursued her passion for art throughout her life. She was blessed with many wonderful friends and family members who loved her dearly.
She is survived by one son, Colby (Maggie) Oleson of Mahomet; two daughters, Kindra Nelson of Phoenix, Ariz., and Katie Killin of Loda; eight grandchildren, Maddy and Lexi Nelson, Blake and Wyatt Oleson, Jack, Gracie and Alex Killin and Charley Mehlan; two brothers, Dave and Jim Bertolin, both of the Boulder, Colo., area; and her aunt, Charlotte (Bertolin) Alkire of Naperville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Blake, on Nov. 7, 2001.
Memorials may be directed to LaMoille Fire Department or LaMoille-Clarion Library District.