My journey here on earth has ended. Through baptism, I became God’s own dear child.
He loved me enough to send His own dear Son to die on the cross and take away all my guilt. He not only died for me, but He rose from the dead on the third day. That assures me that though my soul is already safe in Heaven, one day I too will be resurrected from the grave and I’ll stand before God and His angels in my glorified body ready to claim my home in Heaven for all eternity.
This I know and this I believe because God’s Word promises that to me.
For me to live is Jesus; to die is gain for me.
The above was written by Gwen for her husband Karl when he passed away, and the same applies for her.
Gwendolyn A. Olp, age 92, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Friday, August 13, 2021.
Gwen was born on March 16, 1929 in Rockland County, WI to the late Adolph and Laura (Reinke) Rusch. After attending St. John St. James Ev. Lutheran Church and School, she graduated from Reedsville High School with the class of 1948. On June 5, 1949, Gwen married Karl Olp at St. John St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reedsville. He preceded her in death on March 22, 2010. She was an active member of First German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manitowoc.
Survivors include Gwen’s daughter, Sandra Brooks, Manitowoc; five grandchildren and their children, Shane (Cheryl) Crawford and Ali, Gabbi and Michelle, Florida; Adam (Rachael) Crawford and Madelyn, Cameryn, and Emersyn, Georgia; Abby (Ben) Koehler and Nial and Banks, Appleton; Nathan (Michelle) Brooks and Logan, Ethan, and Landon, Manitowoc; and Laura (Steve) Kratz and Camden and Mason, Manitowoc; sister-in-law, Gertie (Dean) Wink, Appleton; two former sons-in-law, Kevin Crawford and Paul Brooks; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Karen Crawford; sister, Lavida Behnke; brother, Helmuth Rusch; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Rusch and Helen Bratz; and brother-in-law, Waldemar Behnke and Harold Bratz.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021 at First German Ev. Lutheran Church, 1033 South 8th Street, Manitowoc. Rev. Jacob Hoff will officiate with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. A luncheon for family and friends will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at First German Ev. Lutheran Church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to either Manitowoc Lutheran High School or First German Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Gwen’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Pradeep Giriyappa for all the care he provided. Also, thanks to Gwen’s special friends and caretakers, Ed and Noreen, Carol, Wendy, and Mary.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, N. 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
