Mary Gloier Olson

Mary Gloier Olson November 9, 1944 - June 24, 2026 Mary Gloier Olson, age 81, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026 at her home in Richfield, MN, from pancreatic cancer. A devoted mother and grandmother, Mary leaves behind a legacy of vibrant faith, boundless creativity, and a gift for friendship and hospitality that touched everyone she knew. Born on November 9, 1944 in Fergus Falls, MN, Mary graduated from Saint Marys School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota, and served as a nurse at Hennepin General Hospital in Minneapolis (now HCMC) and the Rosebud Indian Health Service in Rosebud, South Dakota. To know Mary was to experience her grace, generosity of heart, and lavish hospitality. She lived in service to others in Minnesota (Fergus Falls, Willmar, Minneapolis, Richfield), South Dakota (Rosebud), Wisconsin (Amery), and Texas (Georgetown). An avid reader and learner, after retiring from nursing she poured her gifts into homemaking, friendships, church community, and nearly every form of creative art: furniture restoration, gardening, painting, calligraphy, pottery, knitting, and gingerbread house making. She delighted loved ones with handcrafted cards on birthdays and other special occasions. Mary's service, creativity, and hospitality were animated by an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She loved her home churches: Church of the Cross (Hopkins, MN) which she was part of helping plant, and Light of Christ Anglican (Georgetown, TX). She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Martha Gloier, and her brothers, Neil and David. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Phil Olson; her four children, Carl Olson (Mary), Mark Olson (Kristine), Sara Anderson (Brett), Daniel Olson (Lucy); her sister Susie Gloier, and sisters-in-law Cecile Gloier and Barbara Olson. She delighted in her ten grandchildren; Will, Thomas, and Ren Anderson; Sam, Lauren, and Katie Olson; and Elisabeth, Charlie, Mary, and Annie Olson; and many extended family members: including nieces Angelina and Theresa, and nephews David, Christopher, Matthew and Nathan; as well as many close friends and neighbors. Visitation at 9:30 a.m. and Funeral Service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Church of the Cross, 201 9th Ave N., Hopkins, MN. Luncheon reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made either to the "New Roots" program in Ecuador, serving people recently deported from Minnesota (Checks to "With You International" and designated New Roots: in memory of Mary Olson; and sent to With You International, 2064 Valley Forge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5950; or online: tinyurl.com/5n63s52w; EIN: 47-1376184), or to Anselm House (By mail: P.O. Box 141007, Minneapolis, MN 55414, or online: anselmhouse.org/give; EIN: 41-1428036). www.Washburn-McReavy.com Strobeck-Johnson 952-938-9020