Vicki Ann Olson

Rock Valley, IA: Vicki Ann Olson, 77, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Monday, November 24, 2025, at her home under the care of her family and Sioux Center Health Hospice. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 28, at 3:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley with her nephew, Jason Strubbe officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.porterfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/vicki-olson. Burial will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery of Hawarden. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00-3:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to Sioux Center Health Hospice.

Vicki Ann Olson (Strubbe) was born on October 1, 1948, to Betty and Vincent Strubbe in Hudson, South Dakota. She grew up on a farm southwest of Rock Valley, Iowa and attended Rock Valley Community High School. Vicki was not a fan of school, but she did make some lasting friendships. Those friends were still near and dear to her heart today.

After high school, Vicki attended Stewart’s in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to become a beautician. She worked in a salon in Hawarden, Iowa for many years. She loved to socialize and had a way about herself that made you feel better just by being around her. One night as she was walking home from work, she caught the eye of Harvey Olson. He approached her as she was walking by, but Vicki declined his offer. He did not get discouraged but continued to pursue her for almost one year before their first date, pizza and a movie! (Vicki loved knowing how people met). Harvey was kind, gentle and just what Vicki's heart needed at just the right time. They later had a small courthouse wedding with family present and together they built a beautiful life. They lived in Hawarden until retirement and then moved to Rock Valley, to be closer to family.

Vicki was described as “a saint, my second mom, the best aunt ever, I'm better for having known her.” She loved others well, always putting them first. She would change the subject on a dime if you asked how she was doing. It was always, "fine, how are you?" She had a special place in her heart for all her nieces, nephews, grandkids, and great grands, etc. She loved them all so well and they felt that love, deeply.

Vicki and Harvey spent most of their lives serving others. They hosted the best Christmas and Easter gatherings. Everyone was always welcome! After doing all the preparation you could often find Vicki missing from the dinner table. She was probably trying to pick up the babies, (well past the baby stage) playing dress up with the girls, or filling your plate with " just a little more!" Her family will cherish these memories. She was the heart of the Strubbe family.

Vicki was a caretaker at heart. She cared for her aging parents, as well as her husband for many years. She had no idea how much impact this had. She did not especially like to be taken care of but as the end was near for her, she accepted the care of family and hospice with dignity, grace and even a little humor at times! Vicki was called home on November 24, 2025, after a long, courageous battle.

Grateful, Thankful and blessed to have shared her life are her best friend and sister, Billie (Ray) Berner of Longmont Colorado; brother, Mark (Sue) Strubbe of Rock Valley; sisters-in-law, Melanie Ranschau of Rock Valley and Barb (Jim) Driessen of Pineville, Louisiana; step-sons, Paul (Trish) Olson of Sioux Falls, and Aaron (Theresa) Olson of Yankton, South Dakota; many beloved step-grandchildren; and her dear nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Olson; parents, Vincent and Betty (Jenkens) Strubbe; brother, Jim Strubbe; and nephew, Mike Berner.