Donna Mae Olson, 76, of Big Cormorant Lake, passed away peacefully at home, January 24, 2014, surrounded by her family.
Donna was born on May 22, 1937, in Fairdale, ND, to David & Liela Olson. Upon graduating from Oak Grove High School in Fargo, she completed her undergraduate degree at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. Donna began teaching elementary school in Glendive, MT. She continued touching the lives of students in Brownton, MN, and concluded her teacher career at Washington Elementary in Fargo, ND.
Donna was joined in marriage to Dorian Olson in Wolverton, MN, on December 26, 1959. After a short time in Glendive and Brownton, the couple made their home in Fargo until moving to Big Cormorant Lake in 1995.
Donna, a member of First Lutheran Church in Fargo, sang in the Cathedral Choir for over 50 years. She was a woman of faith. Her love and dedication to her family was evident in her actions as she guided her children, welcomed friends and relatives into her home, and did whatever she could to help and serve others.
Donna had varied interests, including rosemaling, music, quilting, knitting and other other hand-work. She enjoyed opportunities to travel with her husband, children and church family. The highlight of her travels was the trip to the Holy Land that allowed her to experience “walking where Jesus walked”.
Grateful for having shared in her life are her husband, Dorian Olson, her children, Carter (Lisa) Olson of Little Canada, MN, Julie (Rick) Vanderstappen of Blaine, MN, her grandchildren Justin, Zack, and Ashley Olson, and her sister, Leone Wilson of Battle Lake, MN. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Liela Olson, and her sister, Delores Olson.
A sincere thank you to Dr. Gerald Gross and his staff at the Roger Maris Cancer Center, the outstanding nurses at Sanford Hospital One West, and the Hospice staff.
Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church, Roger Maris Cancer Center, or Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Donna's video tribute can be viewed at
http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm