Cherrie Wiese

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023, all at the United Congregational Church of Christ in Harlan, Iowa.

Heartland Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. http://www.heartlandfuneral.net/

Cherrie Marie Wiese was born on October 17, 1935, the daughter of Bertram and Thelma (Monson) Olson in Hancock, Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed her faith in the Lutheran church. She attended country school near Irwin and graduated from Irwin High School. She attended the University of Northern Iowa and obtained her two-year teaching certificate. In 1975, returned to the University of Northern Iowa and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education.

Cherrie Olson married Warren Wiese in 1962 and the couple raised three children: Jennifer Flanigan (Massachusetts), Nathan Wiese (Topeka KS) and Suzanne (Joe) Mumford (Topeka KS).

Cherrie started teaching in Oakland and then moved to Fort Dodge where she spent most of her career teaching elementary education. She taught at Riverside, Cooper, Feelhaver, Fair Oaks, and Phillips. She treasured her students and took great delight in sparking their imaginations and guiding their development.

In Fort Dodge, she joined the First Presbyterian Church, which was just down their street from her home. She was very involved in her children’s interests and spent countless hours cheering for them at basketball games, track and cross country meets. She was an avid sports fan, often writing directly to coaches of her favorite team to discuss games. She especially loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and Kansas Jayhawks college basketball teams, with Final Four season being her favorite time of year.

Cherrie was an excellent bridge player and was also very involved in politics. Following her retirement from teaching, she ran for State Senate in Iowa and learned a lot about politics. In 2001, she attended the inauguration of George W Bush in Washington, D.C.

In later years, Cherrie thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren, spending time at their ballet and sports performances.

Cherrie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Oakley Place Adult Care in Topeka, Kansas at the age of 88 years and two months. Cherrie was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Helen Merritt, Clyde Olson, Alan Olson, Duane Olson, and Steve Olson. She is survived by her three children: Jennifer Wiese (Michael), Suzanne (Joe) Mumford and Nathan Wiese; three grandchildren: Ben Mumford, Erin Mumford, and Riley Flanigan; siblings: Dean (Joyce) Olson, Wanda (Ron) Sabby, and David Olson; sister-in-law: Sue Olson; and many other relatives and friends.

Interment will take place in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Kirkman. Memorials may be directed to the United Congregational Church of Christ in Harlan Iowa.