Kathryn Marlene Olson

Kathryn Marlene Olson (nee Paulson) age 86 of Fridley, MN. Marlene passed away on August 24, 2023, her husband and daughters by her side. Preceded in death by parents Irene and Jerry Paulson, brother Jerald and great-granddaughter Madilynn. Born with a natural talent for dancing and singing, Marlene began performing with the local dance studio as their youngest student. She also played piano and was a classically trained soprano. She and her husband James Olson knew each other as children growing up in Northeast Minneapolis. He gave her a heart-shaped card for her ninth birthday and she saved every card he'd given her since. They married after high school and had four daughters together. As a skilled seamstress, she would often make their clothes herself. As an unskilled barber, she would often cut their hair herself. Some of them are still growing out their bangs. Marlene went to nursing school and became an intensive care/coronary care nurse. Nursing was one of her biggest passions and her straight-A report card was a source of great pride. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was proud of her close relationships with each of them. Always the fun Nana, she learned to play their favorite video games so she could play along with them. Sometimes she would even let them win. Marlene was a beautiful, funny, kind, brave and loving person. She was strong and calm when given her cancer diagnosis and would often reassure others saying, "It's going to be okay. I've had a beautiful and full life and I'm ready." She is survived and deeply missed by her husband of 68 years, James Olson; daughters Wendy Olson, Lori (Alan) Yang, Karen (Mark) Westensee and Susan (Brian) Alto; grandchildren Natalie, Brianna, Jessica Rose, Alison, Andrew, Kacie, Sam, Piper, Ian, Harper, Becki and Jessica; great-grandchildren Logan, Trevor, Reilly, Remington, Harvey, Olivia, Elouise, Sydnie and Avery; siblings Nancy (John) Kulstad, James Paulson and Ron (Meg) Paulson; nephews Phil, Jerry and Chris; nieces Christine, Julie and Amy. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, September 14th at Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel, 2610 19th Ave. NE, Mpls; 10am visitation, 11am service, reception to follow. Memorials to your charity of choice in Marlene's honor.

Tributes

Kathryn Marlene Olson

March 25, 1937 - August 24, 2023

Tributes

Kathryn Marlene Olson

March 25, 1937 - August 24, 2023

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