Colleen Elaine Romsey (Olson)

In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 19, 2023, Co Romsey departed this earthly life and went home to be with Jesus. A celebration of her well-lived life was held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Holmes Lutheran Church in Holmes, Iowa. Visitation began at 9 a.m. The service followed at 10 a.m., with burial to take place at Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield immediately after.

Colleen Elaine Olson was born on May 4, 1927, the 3rd of Elmer O. and Genora C. (Twedt) Olson’s 6 children. She graduated from Gilbert High School in 1945, where she was a cheerleader, played basketball, and was valedictorian of her graduating class. She received a scholarship to Iowa State University to study art and design, but left school to marry a young GI, Laverne ‘Gus’ Romsey, on June 11, 1947. Co and Gus made their home on a farm outside of Goldfield, IA, and welcomed 4 children: Tom, Randy, Nina, and Mike. Co loved being a farmer’s wife and a mother. She and Gus stayed busy working on the farm; attending and serving at Holmes Lutheran Church; and watching their kids’ games, meets, concerts, and 4-H events.

Co and Gus retired from farm life in 1985 and lived in Clarion, Iowa. Co was an avid gardener, baker, and reader. She was never too busy for coffee with a friend. She and Gus traveled far and wide to visit family and attend grandchildren’s events. She was never happier than when her large family would gather around her table for a meal. After Gus’s passing in 2017, Co moved to and spent her last years in Forsyth, IL, near family. She was known for her daily walks around the neighborhood, her habit of reading on her front porch, and the enjoyment she got from watching her great- and great great-grandchildren grow up and do the things they love.

Co leaves to cherish wonderful memories her sister, Barbara; son, Tom (Les); daughter, Nina (Bob); honorary son, Terry ‘Kazan’ Ray; grandchildren, Tron (Nikki), Brandon, Ryan (Grace), Brody, Tarin (Sam), Holly (Joe), and Beau (Cami); great-grandchildren, Dalton (Peyton), Clayton (Gracen), Kaylie, Logan, Hannah, Lauryn, Reagan, Lucas, Eureka, Audra, Gus, Emmeline, Noah, Tristan, Austin, and Eleanor; great great-grandchildren, Addalyn, Bennett, Stetson, and Weston; and countless family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sons, Randy and Mike; brothers, Homer and Robert; and sisters, Alice and Mary.

Co was the kindest soul with the biggest heart. Everyone who knew her is better for having been in her light. In lieu of flowers or memorials, be kind to everyone you meet and take the time to enjoy the people who mean the most to you!