Norma Pauline Olson

Norma Pauline Larson Olson passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024, at the age of 94.

Norma was born on February 8, 1930. At 18 months old, she was lovingly adopted by Louis and Lottie Larson of Underwood, MN. It’s said she ran right into Lottie’s arms when they met.

She was baptized at her family home and confirmed at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church of rural Battle Lake. Norma grew up in Clitherall and Tordenskjold Townships in Ottertail County, Minnesota.

She attended country school, District 162, through 8th grade, graduating from Battle Lake High School in 1948.

After graduation, while employed in sales and bookkeeping at a hardware store in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, Norma’s best friend introduced her to her husband’s cousin, Harlan from Barrett. And that began a love story lasting more than 60 years.

Harlan and Norma were united in marriage on Easter Sunday, March 25, 1951, at Trefoldighed Church. After a short honeymoon, Harlan left to serve his country in Korea and Norma lived with her parents, working at an insurance office in Underwood.

Following Harlan’s discharge from the Army, they moved to Wahpeton where Harlan attended North Dakota State College of Science.

In the spring of 1953, Windom, Minnesota became their home. Harlan worked as an electrician and Norma worked in an exclusive women’s dress shop. 

In 1956, they moved to rural Barrett, Minnesota where they farmed for 36 years. They welcomed three girls to their family: Debra Lynn in 1956, Robyn Faye in 1960, and Jody Michelle in 1967. 

Norma worked for two years in the Barrett School system with the Title I program. 

They retired from farming in 1990 and in 1992 built a home on the east side of Barrett Lake. After Harlan passed away in 2011, Norma continued to live in her beloved lake home for 11 years. At the age of 92, she moved to Valley Care in Barnesville, Minnesota, where she was given the best care and attention.

Norma was a 4-H leader, active in two GFWC women’s club; serving as an officer on the local and district level, involved in the American Legion Auxiliary, including chaplain for four years, WELCA, Sunday school teacher, youth leader at Our Savior’s/Peace Lutheran Church, Red Cross volunteer, nursing home Bible study leader for five years. Norma enjoyed camping, book reading while fishing, attending stock car races, and entertaining guests at her home.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; parents Louis and Lottie Larson; her father and mother-in-law, Oliver and Ruth Olson.

She is survived by daughters: Debbie (Pat) Hall of Shakopee, Robyn Snyder of Alexandria, and Jody (Chuck) Demaree of Moorhead; brother and sister-in-law, Dwaine and Annabelle Olson; grandchildren Bethany (Damian) Uecker, Renee (Jesse) Johannesen, Molly (Ben) Schrade, Sara (Aaron) Newes, and Jesse (Alexa) Snyder; and great-grandchildren Adam, Andrew, and Elliot Uecker, Emma, Davey, and Lottie Johannesen, Jack and Beatrice Schrade, Kaydence and Bristol Serier, and Isla Snyder. Other survivors include nieces: Diane (Dick) Puchalski, Kathy (Marc) Rosa, and Brenda (Jeff) Swedberg.

Norma requested no memorial or funeral service. If you would like to honor Norma, recall a favorite Norma memory and share it with someone you love.