Mary Catherine Oleson, 91, of Festus died Dec. 23, 2021, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mrs. Oleson was a member of Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus and of the St. Pius X High School Hall of Fame. She was a longtime member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Her family says she had a personality that matched her FBI (Full Blooded Irish) heritage and loved to play cards. She was born May 6, 1930, in Peosta, Iowa, the daughter of the late Mary (Hogan) and John McGraw.
She is survived by her husband: Karl E. Oleson; two daughters: Katherine Bingenheimer and Mary (James) Youmans, both of Festus; two sons: Patrick (Peggy) Oleson of St. Charles and Christopher (Stephanie Karr) Oleson of Ferguson; a special niece: Kelly McGraw of Sweeny, Texas; eight grandchildren: Daniel Oleson, Thomas Oleson, Michael Oleson, Emma (Ryan) Miller, Erin Bingenheimer, Abby Youmans, Jack Youmans and Audra Youmans; and numerous other extended family members. She was preceded in death by a son: David Oleson; a sister: Joann Sawvell; and a brother: John (the late Irene) McGraw.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at Our Lady Church in Festus, officiated by Father Gregory Klump. Burial is in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the Coach Bill and Carol Schmidt Memorial Scholarship at St. Pius X High School. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.