Irene Mae Olson

Irene Mae Olson was born to Arthur & Ann Swanson in Minneapolis, Minnesota on a November 1, 1937. She graduated from Minnehaha Academy in 1955. During her high school years, Irene worked at Bill's A&W Root Beer and Bridgeman's. After graduation, she attended The Minnesota School of Business. Her first job was with Augsburg Publishing as a secretary. It was there that Irene established lifelong friendships with girlfriends Betty, Mary Alice, and Audrey. It was Mary Alice and her husband Dave who set Irene up on a blind date with Roy. Irene and Roy were married on October 17, 1961 at Bethlehem Covenant Church, where Irene served and sang in the choir. They settled in Minneapolis, where they raised their son, Steven. In the fall of 1960, Irene began a retail career with Dayton's. She retired in 1999 after nearly 40 years of service. Music was an integral part of the Olson family. In Steven's elementary school days, Irene sang with the Mother Singers, and Steven participated in school musicals with the Mother Singers. Irene was a fixture at Steve's performances and sporting events. In 1973, Irene, Roy and Steve moved to Edina. Irene also enjoyed travel. The Olson family enjoyed yearly summer vacations within the US, having traveled to 48 states. Irene's Scandinavian heritage was very important to her and her family. The Olson family's first trip abroad was to visit relatives in Sweden, with Irene's Mother, brother, and extended family. When they retired, Irene and Roy enjoyed a three-week European vacation covering England, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy with Steve. In the early 2000's they visited Norway and Sweden again to visit Swedish relatives. Irene was an avid cook and baker and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Later in life, when Irene and Roy were spending half of the year in Naples, Florida, Irene became known as the "Cruise Director", organizing numerous parties and dinners. Irene had a kind, open heart, and it was important for family and friends to gather together. Irene was preceded in death by her brother Jim, sisters-in-law Elizabeth, Jean, and Marlene, nephew Derrick, and great-nephew Alex. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Roy, son Steven (Karen), grandchild Emmett, sister-in-law Nancy (Doug), nieces Vicki, Wendy (Kevan), and Jennifer (Steve), great-nieces Courtney and Grace, great-nephews Mark and Luke, cousins, and dear friends. A funeral service will be held and live-streamed on September 3, 2024 at 2pm at Bethlehem Covenant Church, 3141 43rd Ave South in Minneapolis, followed by procession to Lakewood Cemetery. Please note that flowers in glass and ceramic vases are prohibited at Lakewood.

Tributes

Irene Mae Olson

November 1, 1937 - August 21, 2024

Tributes

Irene Mae Olson

November 1, 1937 - August 21, 2024

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