Elaine Mary Olson

Elaine M. Olson, age 96, of St. Anthony Village, died at her Chandler Place apartment on Sunday September 28, 2025 with her beloved son, Dean at her side. A celebration of Elaine's life will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in N.E. Minneapolis with visitation at 10:00 a.m., Mass 11:00 a.m. and luncheon to follow. Her remains will be laid to rest at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery the following morning. Elaine Mary (Smith) was born February 22, 1929 in Buffalo, Minnesota to Harold and Dora (Demarais) Smith. She was the oldest of six siblings. The family lived on a farm in rural Buffalo. Elaine and her brother Ed, who was the next oldest sibling, would get up early to help milk the cows before walking to the school house. The family farm house burnt down during her adolescent years and her mother Dora moved into Waverly with some of the younger children for a short time. The older ones, including Elaine, went to live with other relatives nearby so they could continue to help with the farm duties. She eventually, ended up moving to Minneapolis and lived in an apartment with her grandmother, Ella (Berthiaume) Smith and her aunt, Irene Smith. On January 31, 1948, Elaine was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Louis Olson, at the Basilica of St. Mary Catholic Church in Minneapolis. They ended up moving to Los Angeles, California shortly after they got married but returned to Minneapolis when their twin boys were about 8 months old. They resided in the upstairs apartment at Bob's parents' home off 22nd and Central Avenue. In 1954, they built their home in nearby St. Anthony Village where they raised their seven children. Bob passed away on November 29, 1995 at the age of 68. Elaine continued to live in their home by herself until November 29, 2024 when she moved into Chandler Place Assisted Living in St. Anthony Village. Elaine loved her children and prayed for each of them and their families daily even up to the end of her life. She passed away with her rosary in her hand. She was a devote Catholic who loved the Lord and was active in her church for many years assisting with funeral prayers, luncheons and praying for the Holy Eucharist. She was an active member in the American Legion and provided selfless service by visiting Veterans in the hospital until her health no longer allowed that. She enjoyed fishing, playing cribbage and tending to her flowers and tomato plants. She opened her home to many relatives and friends throughout her lifetime. If out of town guests needed a place to stay, Elaine's house was always available. She did a tremendous job raising her seven children and enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elaine is survived by her children Dennis (Sue) Olson, Douglas (Jane) Olson, Denise (Bruce) Naustdal, Darwin (Judy) Olson, Darla Sundberg and Dean (Deb) Olson; fourteen grandchildren, Karin (Jeff) Larsen, Joshua (Amanda) Olson, Diana Olson, Allana Olson, Luke (Kelli) Liepke, Matthew (Lindy) Liepke, Missy (Brandon) Boyd, Jeff (Sheila) Naustdal, Emily (Adam) Prichard, Aaron Olson, David Sundberg II, Samantha Olson, Miranda Olson and Orianna Olson; eleven great-grandchildren, Phoenix Olson, Miles Liepke, Mya Liepke, Kyla Liepke, Nora Liepke, Claire Naustdal, Eason Sundberg, Finn Sundberg, Tessa Prichard, Tanner Prichard and Graham Prichard; one sibling, Donna Peterson and one brother-in-law, Don Ostrom. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dora Smith; son Daniel Olson; siblings, Ed (Pat) Smith, Dorothy Ostrom, Al (Kathy) Smith, (Ron) Peterson and Kenneth Smith; and one son-in-law, David Sundberg. Elaine will be missed by all who knew her, including her many cribbage friends and wonderful neighbors. Until we meet again Mom, may you rest in peace, your suffering has ended and Jesus has welcomed you home. Give Dad and Daniel a big hug for us. We love you, Mom!!

Tributes

Elaine Mary Olson

February 22, 1929 - September 28, 2025

Tributes

Elaine Mary Olson

February 22, 1929 - September 28, 2025

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