Ida Mae Olson

Ida Mae Olson was born on April 27, 1930, in Bowbells, ND to Ben and Maude Garness. Her father passed away when she was two years old, leaving Mae as an only child. Her mother and grandparents operated a successful hotel in Bowbells, exposing Mae at a young age to the art of hostessing. This skill impacted others greatly throughout her life. In 1942, Mae's mother accepted a job with a Minneapolis company and moved the small family from Bowbells to Southwest Minneapolis. Mae was twelve when she started at Washburn High School. Before Mae graduated from high school, she went to work at Gambles department store. She continued there through graduation and with her new discount, Mae's household became one of the first on the block to own a television! From Gambles, Mae moved on to a job with an insurance company located in the Foshay Tower. At the time it was the tallest building in Minneapolis. A blind date in 1948 brought Ron Olson into Mae's life. She didn't have time to form her opinion of him before he was drafted by the army to be part of the Korean War. She and Ron didn't see each other again for several years, but Ron was determined for a second chance. When he finally returned home, he picked up where he left off, won her heart, and they were married April 27, 1953. Mae and Ron settled in a duplex on Chicago Avenue where they were able to start their family. Deb, Gary, and Sherie were born there, but that third child squeezed them out. They migrated to the booming growth of the suburbs and built a house in Bloomington, where Lisa, the fourth and final child, was born. In 1969, they built a cabin in Northern Minnesota, where they enjoyed weekends in the summer. Once Ron retired, he and Mae spent their summers at the lake, anticipating weekends when their children and grandchildren would come and fill the house with love and laughter. Their son, Gary, died suddenly in 1980 after a motorcycle accident. It was a devastating loss that left Mae feeling a deep, unrelenting sadness. Mae reasoned that the only way to combat her sadness was to be involved in other people's lives. She became a small group leader of Community Bible Study where she served for many years. Mae was a member of First Free Evangelical Church for seven decades! She worked on serving committees, was a member of the Women's Guild, and served at the Welcome Desk for many years, greeting so many with a warm, welcoming smile. After forty years in Bloomington, Mae and Ron bought a townhouse in Apple Valley. They lived there until March of 2024 when Mae suffered a stroke that left her immobile. This initiated her final move from the townhouse in Apple Valley to an assisted living home in Burnsville. Ron sold the townhouse to join her and lovingly cared for her needs. He frequently said that even though they couldn't talk much, he loved just being there with her. In September of that year, Mae and Ron celebrated 71 years of marriage. Mae entered her eternal home on March 16, 2025, at the age of 94. Throughout her life, Mae was a remarkable hostess. She made marvelous meals and opened her home to her family and friends, without hesitation. It appeared as though Mae simply loved to cook! A few years ago, Mae admitted that she actually did not enjoy cooking at all, but she loved that it brought her kids, her grandkids, and even her great grandkids to the table regularly. Nowhere in all the land could there be found a more devoted and faithful wife, mother, grandmother or friend. Mae consistently exuded grace and peace in every situation. Even as she sat motionless in her wheelchair at the end of her life, every need attended to by someone, she often said, "It could be worse". She constantly reminded us of the Lord's direction by quoting Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your path. She quoted it, but she also lived it. She has certainly heard from Jesus, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". She was simple, but so wise. She quietly served her family, walked faithfully through many tragedies, and persevered when life was hard. She loved the Lord and exemplified that love constantly. Above all else, she desperately desired that all those she loved so dearly would arrive safely at the gates of heaven in due time so that she could spend eternity with them all. Mae would say she is grateful to God, her friends, and her family, most of all, Ron. Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Maude Garness, her beloved son, Gary Ben, and her son-in-law, Kent O'Leary. Mae is survived by her devoted husband, Ron, her children and sons-in-law, Deb and Herb Bloomquist, Sherie and Mark McClun, and Lisa O'Leary. Eight grandchildren, Coley (Jon), Kelsey (David), Anna, Elsa, Eve, Emilee, Mikki (Justin), and Jeffrey (Julianna). Nine great-grandchildren, Gavin and Dax. Kira, Evelyn, and September Baby. Rowan, Ezra, Felix, and Wesley. Also, George Daniels was like a brother from the tender age of six months. We celebrate her joyous entry into the presence of Jesus as we ache deeply over the tremendous hole she leaves behind. There will be a memorial service in Mae's honor at First Evangelical Free Church 5150 Chicago Avenue Minneapolis on Friday, March 28. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00. Service can be streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Yv9XqBHBJ0

Tributes

Ida Mae Olson

April 27, 1930 - March 16, 2025

Tributes

Ida Mae Olson

April 27, 1930 - March 16, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203