Marion Olson

Marion Marcyine Wickstrum Houser Olson was born in Broughton, KS on August 13, 1925. She was the third of four children born to May Bammes Wickstrum and Harry Wickstrum. Her siblings include: Doris Bigler (deceased), Mildred Mailen (deceased) and Leland Wickstrum (of Semi Valley, CA). She attended school in Broughton, KS until going to High School in Clay Center, KS. She was an avid softball player and was on the Broughton Bees Softball Team. She moved with her parents to Wichita, KS at the age of 16 so that her father could work at Boeing and support the war effort. Due to this move Marion was unable to complete high school. Upon arriving in Wichita, she went to work as a roller skating car hop at a local burger joint where she met her first husband Thomas L. Houser. Many of Marion's family members worked at Boeing, including Marion's oldest sister Doris. When Marion came of age, she also went to work at Boeing. There is a family legend that she helped build the bomb rack in the Enola Gay.

On August 18, 1944, Marion and Tom Houser were wed in Wellington, KS. His family trained and raced greyhounds and consequently after their marriage they spent several years traveling throughout the United States racing greyhounds. In 1945 Marion and Tom had their first child, Teddy Houser. He unfortunately did not survive birth. In 1946 Terry Houser was born in Coral Gables, FL. Marion and Tom returned to Wichita in 1949 and Connie Houser Simmons Mann was born in 1949. Marion and Tom had Mark Houser in 1953 and their last child Michael Houser in 1955. The family enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time with extended family out at a lease on the Ninescah River. Marion remained in Wichita until 1970 when Thomas passed away.

After Tom's death, Marion returned to school and in 1971 completed her GED and a vocational training program in Office Occupation in 1972. In 1971 she also re-connected with an old high school beau, Austin Olson and in 1972 they were married. Austin lived in Leonardville, KS and as such Marion moved there to be with him. Marion quickly obtained employment at the Fort Riley Dental Clinic as a secretary and receptionist.

Marion developed a serious liver disorder and on March 16, 1991 she underwent a liver transplant at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Post-operation she returned to Wichita and resided with her daughter for post op care. During this time, in 1992, Austin passed away and Marion decided to remain in Wichita. She remained in Wichita, living independently until the time of her death.

In retirement, Marion spent her time loving her family and volunteering. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, she assisted with voting during election times and she was active with the Midwest transplant support group. She was constantly seeking ways to be of assistance to others. While at Woodlake Senior Residence she regularly played cards with her neighbors. She loved to cook and was renown for her "red hot" apple pies, fried chicken and Jello salads.

Marion's greatest love was for her family. In the end of her life she identified most notably as "Grandma". She leaves behind four children and their spouses, 5 grand children, 6 great grandchildren and two (soon to be three) great great grandchildren.

She leaves behind an incredible legacy of love.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to:

The Marion Olson Martin House Fund

C/O Woodlake Senior Residence

3039 W. 2nd

Wichita, KS 67203

Or

The Liver Treatment Patient Assistance Fund/NE

C/O Debb Anderson, Manager

983285NM- Organ Transplant

4400 Emile St.

Omaha, NE 68198-3285

Memorial Service

Time: 1:00pm, Saturday, April 30, 2016 Place: Broadway Mortuary Chapel
1147 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67211

Memorials

Marion Olson Martin House Fund
c/o Woodlake Senior Residence
3039 W. 2nd
Wichita, KS 67203

Liver Tx Patient Assistance Fund/NE
c/o Debb Andersen, Manager
983285NM-Organ Transplant
Omaha, NE 68198-3285

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