Joanne Kay Olson, age 85, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Red Oak.

Joanne was born on March 21, 1940, in Red Oak, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Vivian (DeBolt) Hicks. She grew up on a farm near Emerson, Iowa, and graduated from Wales Lincoln High School in 1957. In 1958, Joanne married Gene Westerlund and resided on the farm in rural Morton Mills, IA. From this union two wonderful children were born, Terry Gene and Tammy Jo. Joanne worked alongside Gene on the farm and was known to be a good cook.

Joanne enjoyed attending family events, sporting events, and was supportive of her children and grandchildren's special talents. For many years, she enjoyed the annual family fishing trip to Minnesota where many great memories and laughs were had while trying for the big catch.

Joanne was involved with the Morton Mills Church and the Morton Mills Ladies Aide for many years. When the kids became older, she went to work for her uncle Loyd Hicks at the Thompson Bergren Hardware Store. She later followed her green thumb and displayed her talents at Red Oak Floral, for many years.

In the 1990's, Joanne moved to Red Oak where her love of growing plants and expertise followed her by having an immaculate yard and top-notch flower gardens. This led to a very proud accomplishment for her- winning Red Oak's Yard of the Month.

Joanne married Ralph Olson, and they shared 18 years of marriage filled with love and companionship. Joanne will always be remembered by her family and friends for her wisdom, strength and love.

Preceding her in death were her parents; Robert and Vivian Hicks; her brother; Robert (Bob) Hicks; her nephew; Chad Hicks. Joanne is survived by her husband, Ralph Olson of Red Oak, IA; children, Terry Westerlund and wife Amy of Red Oak, IA; Tammy Magneson and husband Jeff of Stanton, IA; brother, Don Hicks and wife Linda of Stanton, IA; sister-n-law; Mary Hicks of Emerson, IA; grandchildren, Heather Downing and husband Adam of Winterset, IA; Dayne Magneson and wife Bailey of Bondurant, IA; Seth Esaias and wife Carly of Stanton, IA; Noah Westerlund, of Red Oak, IA; great grandchildren, Delainey and Brevyn Magneson; Walker and Waverly Esaias; step-children, Sheila Madsen and husband Curt of West Des Moines, IA; David Olson and wife Lynne of West Des Moines, IA; Danny Olson and wife Kandee of Red Oak, IA; step-grandchildren, Kelly Visser and husband Adam; Janelle Martin and husband Robbie; Jake Olson and wife Brittni; Delania Olson; Cam and Kendra Crisman; step-great grandchildren, Mae and Miley Visser; Lydia Martin; Berkley Olson; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Emerson Cemetery at Emerson, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Red Oak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.