Carole Molly Olson

Carole Molly Olson July 13, 1940 - July 24, 2026 Carole Molly Olson passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by the love of family and friends after courageously facing the challenges that followed a brain aneurysm one year earlier. To know Carole was to know kindness. She possessed a warm smile, an unwavering faith, and a servant's heart that quietly shaped the lives of countless people over eight decades. She never sought recognition for the good she did. She simply believed that loving people well was one of life's greatest callings. Born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on July 13, 1940, Carole spent her childhood in several Minnesota communities as her father, Roy Belsaas, served as a school superintendent. She graduated from St. Charles High School before moving to Minneapolis to attend business school, where she met her future husband, Herb Olson. Together they welcomed their daughter, Angie, while living in Houston, Texas, and later returned to Minnesota, where Herb completed his education at Mankato State University. Eventually they settled in Plymouth, where they built the home that Carole would lovingly call home for nearly six decades. It was there they welcomed their son, Kent, and where generations of memories would be made. Following her divorce, Carole built a successful 26-year career with General Mills, advancing to Accounting Supervisor and overseeing inventory operations for warehouses across the country. Her work required frequent travel, and whenever possible, she found ways to turn those trips into adventures for her children. While at General Mills, Carole met the love of her later life, her beloved "fellow," Ed Maass. Together they embraced an active life filled with running, golfing, dancing, hiking, and, after retirement, traveling the world. Their adventures eventually took them to every continent except Antarctica, creating memories they treasured for decades. As wonderful as those travels were, Carole discovered an even greater joy after becoming "Granny" to her grandchildren, Matthew ("Matty") and Kathryn ("Katie"). She happily traded frequent travel for front-row seats in their lives. She cared for them during their preschool years, volunteered faithfully at Oxbow Creek Elementary long after they had moved on, and spent years creating unforgettable summer adventures filled with parks, lakes, movies, theater, bowling, train rides, museums, and countless opportunities to simply be together. Serving others was not something Carole did-it was simply who she was. She devoted thousands of volunteer hours to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, where she faithfully served as a financial counter and gave her leadership to the quilting guild. As a breast cancer survivor, she volunteered to encourage others facing similar journeys. She also shared her time and talents with the Twin Cities Autism Foundation, finding great joy in supporting families and children. Carole expressed love through acts of service. She gardened, baked, cooked, quilted, sewed, mended, and created beautiful handmade gifts that found their way into the homes and hearts of family, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. Her homemade muffins, lefse, soups, salads, and especially her famous Christmas caramels became treasured expressions of her generosity. She delighted in giving them away simply to brighten someone else's day. Her Christian faith was the quiet foundation of her life. Rather than speaking about it often, she lived it every day through compassion, humility, generosity, and service. She showed those around her what it meant to love God by loving people. Perhaps Carole's greatest legacy is not found in the places she traveled or the titles she held, but in the countless lives she touched. She had an extraordinary ability to make every person feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. To her grandchildren, neighborhood children, and the students at Oxbow Creek, she became known simply as "Granny"-a name that perfectly reflected the love she shared so freely. Carole is survived by her daughter, Angie Olson; her son, Kent Olson and his wife, Laura; her beloved grandchildren, Matthew ("Matty") Olson and Kathryn ("Katie") Olson; her sister, Phoebe Einertson and husband Dave; nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends whose lives are richer because of her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Amy Belsaas; her brother, Dean Belsaas; and her beloved longtime companion, Ed Maass. The family finds great comfort knowing that Carole is now at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ-the One she faithfully served throughout her life by serving others. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life service and luncheon at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 5005 Northwest Blvd., Plymouth, Minnesota 55442. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Twin Cities Autism Foundation or The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Thank you, Mom, for showing us that the richest life is not measured by what we keep, but by what we give away. Your love, your faith, your generosity, and your joyful spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing you. Your legacy lives on in every act of kindness shared because of the example you set.