Phyllis Lynn Olson

Phyllis L. Olson, age 75 of Rosemount, MN passed away unexpectedly Christmas morning - December 25th 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband Ken, parents Philip and Betty Nause and son-in-law John Partlow. She is survived by her loving daughters; Melissa Partlow, Nicole (Todd) Jay, and Danielle (Tony) Reichstadt, stepsons; Aric (Jenny) Olson, and Jared (Gretchen) Olson, grandchildren; Amelia, Dominic, Alexis, Ciaran and Leighton; sister Nancy Larson and brother James Nause; as well as many other relatives and friends. She was incredibly loved and will be greatly missed by all. Phyllis was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Born and raised in the heartland, she grew up as the oldest of three on a farm in Blanchester, Ohio. Her parents instilled core values of hard work, perseverance, honesty, and the love of God and family. These served as a foundation upon which Phyllis lived out her life while raising her three daughters and co-parenting two step sons. Phyllis married Kenneth Olson February 29th, 1980 and together they wasted no time setting out on the life they envisioned after both having recently come out of difficult first marriages. Days were busy and often fast-paced as they partnered to custom build a home that would accommodate their newly formed family in Rosemount, Minnesota while both worked full-time and raising the kids. They devoted countless hours and worked tirelessly on many ambitious projects throughout their marriage. A big part of life and the woman Phyllis will be remembered for is her love of traditions and routine. She was dedicated and delighted in making things special for her and Ken and the family. Looking back, it was a key way she nurtured and showed love. There are many examples that could be shared, from the mundane to the rare occasions, several that carried through the years were her finely tuned weekly routine of kids/work/household/activities, etc... There was Friday night bowling league which for us younger kids, attendance, was mandatory; also Friday dinners at the local legion; Saturdays meant morning chores and bowling for the kids followed with deep cleaning and grocery shopping which often also included eating lunch at Poppin Fresh which later became Bakers Square. Sundays were filled with morning country breakfasts, loads and loads of laundry, football and the infamous mom nap on the couch, and culminated in a hearty and delicious family Sunday dinner (often pot roast or spaghetti and meatballs). Then there was Christmas; her favorite time of year. She looked forward to baking many holiday cookies and confections, having a beautifully decorated tree and garland along with lots of othersmall touches that spread Christmas cheer through the home. And the most looked forward to tradition, Christmas Eve family celebration, with a fancy sit-down dinner and gift opening in the formal living room that us kids were banned from except for this special day of the year. There were many fishing trips to the local lakes and later years, weekends and boating were enjoyed up North on Lake Pokegema. And then there was our memorable annual week-long family summer vacations at Ten Mile Lake shared with our family's best friends, the Eidal's.Lots of shenanigans and good ol'fashioned mischief took place throughout the years. We managed to squeeze in some fishing here and there as well. One of the greatest endeavors and investment for both Ken and Phyllis was the restoration of the Olson family farm in Pine City, Minnesota. Many cherished family memories were shared on the farm. Most notably, Chicken Fest, which began as a fairly simple idea to share their passion for chickens, John Deere tractors, and farm land with a few friends and family, but very soon the biggest party of the year was born. Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers from near and far would descend for a weekend of fun on the farm- to take in plenty of yummy food and drink, hay rides, a kids barrel train pulled by John Deere tractor, of course, as well as a night-time bonfire. And the highlight of the festivities was the afternoon tractor parade with Kenny's ever-expanding collection of antique John Deere tractors. The star of this parade was mom's favorite, the gorgeously restored 1951 model R with its pony motor and that distinctive sound of a Deere. Good times. Phyllis had many special qualities that those who came to know her and enjoy time together will not soon forget- like her big laugh that could fill a room, her sweet and sometimes sassy manner when she talked with friends, neighbors, and the passing individuals in the course of her day. She could give the best hugs and encouragement with the loving squeeze of her hand on yours. Phyllis also had a way of making you feel special bydoing unexpected acts of kindness and giving gifts that were often extraordinarily timely and insightful. Phyllis worked hard and could get caught up in tasks, but she also loved to let loose and enjoyed a variety of interests and activities throughout her adult life. Her favorites over the years were bowling, going to Bingo, watching her Vikings and Twins, puzzles, sitting in her rocking chair on the porch remarking on the pretty flowers, as well as joining in with her gal pals and Red Hatters to go antiquing and attend tea parties and many other excursions. Her favorite thing was enjoying time with the grands. Phyllis had many things that brought her joy, like hummingbirds, pretty dishes and setting a beautiful formal dinner table, the quiet satisfaction of a job well done, being an avid sports fan, enjoying a sweet treat or maybe two, sitting in front of her gorgeous Christmas tree with lots of fancy Lenox ornaments and twinkle lights, these are but a few; however, the love of her life was unmistakably her grandchildren. She loved to find ways to make them all feel special and celebrated their unique talents and passions. They were a deep source of joy and delight to her. She prayed every day for each of them to grow into good, happy, and healthy people with the confidence to pursue their dreams and find fulfillment in their relationships and future careers. They were an endless blessing to her that she cherished dearly. They are her legacy. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we absorb this sudden and deep loss; but we release our mom, grandma, sister, friend, neighbor, and co-worker to the hope of Glory where she now sees fully and is eternally in peace, joy, and love that is only found in the Presence of our Creator and Savior. Arise and thrive beautiful Soul. We love you, Phyllis. You will be missed every day and remembered by all who were blessed to know you. Funeral Service Thursday, January 4th 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at Washburn-McReavy, Werness Brothers; 2300 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in Phyllis' name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Tributes

Phyllis Lynn Olson

July 1, 1948 - December 25, 2023

Tributes

Phyllis Lynn Olson

July 1, 1948 - December 25, 2023

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