LaVerne Olson

Olson, LaVerne Died on December 8, 2008, after a very brief illness, surrounded by her family. Her family and friends will dearly miss her amazing zest for life, her unfailing optimism and her bright smile. LaVerne was born on November 22, 1917, to Maynard and Emma (Schrimpf) Bang in Red Wing, Minnesota. After graduating from Red Wing High School in 1935, she obtained a teaching certificate from Winona State University and began teaching in a one room school in South St. Paul where some of the boys were bigger than she and only a year or two younger. During World War II, she worked as a merchandise buyer for Powers in Minneapolis and for the National Weather Bureau in San Francisco. LaVerne married L. Miles Grasmoen of Deephaven, Minnesota, in 1947, who died in 1952. Following his death and in order to support their two children, she finished her Bachelor's Degree in education at Winona State University and received her Master's Degree from the University of Minnesota. Her career in education over 28 years spanned from teaching third grade, to elementary school principal to curriculum coordinator for the Red Wing school system. She was a mentor and friend to many young teachers. She also served as president of the Minnesota State Reading Association. She was an avid reader to the day she passed away. LaVerne married Melvin E. Olson in 1975 and moved to Edina, where family, friends, community services, church activities, PEO, the Zuhrah Temple, the Minneapolis Woman's Club, fishing, the Northstar Rose Society, the Swedish Institute, and the Twins filled her days. LaVerne and Mel also traveled extensively in the U.S. and all over the globe with friends and family. At age 90, LaVerne enthusiastically went on safari in Tanzania this past March. LaVerne is survived by children, Gary Grasmoen of Plymouth and Cheryl Grasmoen (William VanEssendelft) of North Oaks; granddaughter, Sara Grasmoen VanEssendelft of Minneapolis; sister, Hazel Brown of Edina; brother Marvin Bang of Red Wing and many wonderful nieces and nephews. LaVerne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel, in October, 2005 and brother, Harold Bang, in 2000. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 500 Blake Road South, Hopkins. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Shriners Hospital, or Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

LaVerne Olson

December 11, 2008

Tributes

LaVerne Olson

December 11, 2008

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