Barbara Ellen Olson

Obituary

Barbara “Barb” Ellen Olson was born on June 17, 1936, in Madison, Minnesota, the third of four daughters born to Hans and Alice (Chelberg) Kern.

Barb grew up in Bellingham, Minnesota and later moved to Alberta, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school in 1954. After high school, her family moved to Lichfield, Minnesota. Barb worked in secretarial positions and then later taught school for a number of years at various county schools in rural Litchfield. In 1958, she was crowned Miss Litchfield at the first Litchfield Watercade celebration.

On May 15, 1959, Barb was united in marriage to Edwin Olson in Litchfield. From this union, two children were born, Scott Edwin (in 1960) and Beth Alison (in 1962). Ed and Barb lived their entire married lives in Litchfield and had shared 58 years of marriage at the time of her death.

Barb was a woman of strong faith and was a long-term member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. She taught Sunday School for many years and more recently was a member of Zion’s prayer chain. Barb truly lived her faith, showing kindness, caring and compassion to others. She was kind, humble and respectful, and slow to anger and judge. These qualities endeared her to her family and friends. Barb loved a good laugh and maintained a great sense of humor until the very end.

Barb was dedicated to her roles of wife, mother, and grandmother. She specially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren and liked to attend their activities. Other likes and interests were reading, crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble, gardening, having coffee with friends, and anything from the Dairy Queen.

Barb passed away peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at St. Cloud Hospital following a short illness, at the age of 81 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Barb is survived by her:
Husband, Ed Olson of Litchfield, MN;
Son, Scott Olson (and Pam Heffern), of Litchfield, MN;
Daughter, Beth Steen of Elk River, MN;
5 Grandchildren, Brett Steen of Newnan, GA,
                            Brady Steen of Elk River, MN,
                            Brooke Olson of Balaton, MN,
                            Paige Olson of Watkins, MN,
                            Alison Olson of Watkins, MN;
Sisters, Phyllis Smith of Jasper, MN,
             Pat Monson of Willmar, MN;
Special Friend, Carol Dammann of Litchfield, MN;
Many Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Barb is preceded in death by her Parents, Hans and Alice Kern; and Sister, Ilene Weirauch.