Darlene Anita Olmsted

Darlene Anita Manske Olmsted began her life on March 2nd, 1942 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. When Anita Ploutz Manske and Paul F. Manske introduced her to the world. A couple of years later, the family moved west for Mom’s health and picked Denver for the low humidity. Darlene attended St. John’s Lutheran School through 8th grade and then South High. Then it was on to St. Lukes’ School of Nursing in Denver. There she met Helen Nafze and they traveled around Europe in Helen’s Bug for about 18 months.
Upon returning to the U.S., the pair picked up and moved to Seattle where Darlene began her career in the ICU at Swedish Hospital in 1966. In mid-1967, she met Charles “Skip” Olmsted at a sing-a-long bar in Seattle. And by September 1968 they were married.
Life took on new meaning for Darlene when Christopher C. came along in 1970 and Jason L. in 1974.
Darlene’s nursing career was not confined to one place as her resume would include Yakima Valley Memorial, Harrison Memorial, Resthaven Nursing Home, and doctors Bob Browning, Bill Underdown, and J.O. Zapata.
Darlene was a founding member of King of Glory Lutheran Church, member of P.E.O. Chapter A.H.
She also volunteered several years at the Parkwood Community Pool, was an avid card player, traveler, camper, and kitchen crafter.
Son Jason preceded her to Heaven, as did her brother David. Survivors include, Husband, C. Skip and son Christopher and his wife Ann; grandson Denver and nephew Jonathan Manske.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PEO or to son Christopher to begin a nursing scholarship in Bayawan, P.I.