Olivia Ellenor Krajewski

Olivia Ellenor Krajewski, age 96, died peacefully in her home on April 27, 2022. She was born to Andrew and Mary Barron on December 23, 1925, and raised on their small farm near Belfast, Northern Ireland, alongside six brothers and sisters.  At age 20, she met her soon-to-be husband, Louis Krajewski of La Crosse, Wisconsin, during World War II.  Louis was with the U.S. Air Force 8th fighter group, stationed in southern England; he met "Olive" while on a weekend furlough to Belfast.  They courted briefly until the war ended in 1946 and Louis was sent back to America.  When he returned to his hometown of La Crosse, Louis wrote letters to his "war bride" while saving up enough money to fly her to America. He succeeded. In 1947, Olivia crossed her fingers and crossed the ocean. Shortly thereafter, they married in La Crosse and remained together for 71 years until Louis' passing in 2018.  Louis and Olivia had four children: David, Maureen, Gregory and Brian, all raised in La Crosse.

Olivia worked in La Crosse at Doerflinger's store, Autolite, and K Mart, but the majority of her working years were spent at her brother-in-law's golf course (Pine Creek) in La Crescent, Minnesota.  She was an avid golfer, belonging to several golf leagues and ultimately achieved a "hole-in-one" during one outing.  Olivia was also a passionate gardener of roses and anything that flowered.

Throughout the years, Olivia returned to Northern Ireland for visits with her mother and siblings. Likewise, relatives from Northern Ireland would come to La Crosse for visits.  Early in their marriage (1950's), Louis and Olivia sponsored two of her younger sisters to move to La Crosse and become U.S. citizens. Later in their marriage, they provided the same opportunity to other Irish relatives.  Olivia was a charter member of the La Crosse Shamrock Club.  She never lost her Irish accent. She never lost her sense of humor or her zest for life.

Olivia is preceded in death by her husband, Louis (2018), daughter, Maureen (1973), brothers Fergus and Drew, and sister/best friend, Renee.  She is survived by her sons, David, Gregory and Brian and brother Samuel and sisters Elizabeth and Avril.

A private service will be held for immediate family.  In lieu of sending flowers, we suggest that you consider making a donation to an organization of your choice in honor of her.