Harriett Olson

Harriett (Mrs. Marvin) Olson, 89, Barrett (formerly Elbow Lake), died Thursday, June 23, 2011, at the Barrett Care Center. Funeral Service: 3:00 pm Friday, July 1, United Lutheran Church, Elbow Lake Clergy: Rev. Bon Toso Burial: Ness Cemetery, Elbow Lake Visitation: 4-6pm Thursday at the Funeral Home; one hour before the service at church Harriett Adell Olson, age 89, a resident of Barrett Care Center, died Thursday, June 23, 2011. She was born on August 6, 1921, to Harry and Alice (Christianson) Nelson at her parents' farm home in Delaware Township. She grew up on the farm and attended country school until eighth grade, one year of high school in Elbow Lake, then transferred to the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. On September 15, 1940, Harriett married Marvin H. Olson at her parents' home. While Marvin served in Italy in World War II, Harriett and baby daughter Sandra waited at home. Later, sons Keith and Loren were added to their family. First living in Elbow Lake, Marvin and Harriett took over her parents' farm upon the death of her father in 1950. Harriett was a charter member of Delaware Do & Dare girls' 4-H club. During the years, she served as a 4-H leader and was a long-time member of the Friendly Neighbor Club. She attended rural Bethania Church, First Lutheran Church, and later United Lutheran Church and was a firm believer. She was also active in the Dorcas sewing group and her circle at United. Marvin and Harriett enjoyed socializing with friends, neighbors and relatives. As a young couple, they loved to dance and went to many of the local dances. They loved to play Whist and enjoyed fishing in the local lakes. She was a wonderful cook and baker and was "family-famous" for her pies, cookies and homemade bread. Harriett was an accomplished seamstress. The garden produce was canned, frozen and turned into a variety of pickles, jams and jellies. She loved flower gardening. Harriett took pride in a meticulously clean home and was known for her serene personality and patience. Marvin and Harriett were married over 70 years. She is survived by husband, Marvin, a resident of Pioneer Cottages in Fergus Falls, MN; daughter, Sandra and John Feneis of Elbow Lake, MN; son, Keith and Edith Olson of Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, Canada; son, Loren and Sherry Olson of Elbow Lake, MN; sister, Dorothy Zuehlsdorff of Moorhead, MN; eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren: John and Cara Feneis (Lauren, Jack and Bradley) of University Place, WA; David and Wendy Feneis (Owen and Bailey) of Bellevue, WA; Trevor and Karlene Olson of Rochester, MN; Eric Olson (fiancé, Katie) of Renton, WA; Bethany Olson of Kingston, Ontario; Chad and Adrienne Olson (Lauren and Avery) of Mahomet, IL; Andrew and Dacia Olson (Abby, Lydia and Micah) of Champlin, MN; Nicholas and Megan Olson (Serena, Aliah, Corinn and Noah) of Andover, MN.

Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Elbow Lake 116 1st Street NE Elbow Lake, MN US 56531

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Previous Events

Visitation
Thursday, June 30, 2011
cemetery
Friday, July 1, 2011
Service
Friday, July 1, 2011