Marion Olson

MINOT - Marion Isabel Olson, 91, formerly of Turtle Lake, died Nov. 12, 2015, at a Minot nursing home. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today with a vigil prayer service at 7 p.m. at the church.

Marion was born Oct.12, 1924, near Baden, to Ray and Elizabeth (Coffey) Harris. She was raised and attended elementary school in Baden. She attended high school in Kenmare where she graduated in 1942.

Marion continued her education at Minot Teachers College and earned her teaching certificate. She met Warren Olson while teaching in Bowbells, shortly after he returned from serving in World War II. They were united in marriage on June 14, 1949, in Donnybrook. They made their home in Fargo while Warren continued his education and Marion taught school in West Fargo. They then moved to Stanley where they began raising their family. In 1955, they moved to Washburn and then onto Turtle Lake in 1962. They remained in Turtle Lake until moving to Bismarck in 2004. Warren died June 11, 2005, and Marion moved to Minot in 2007.

Marion was a dedicated mother and cherished spending time with her sisters, children, and grandchildren. She also enjoyed shopping for gifts for her large family, attending rummage sales and auctions. Marion was proud of her Irish heritage. She loved to dance, socialize and play cards, especially bridge.

Marion was a devoted Catholic and was active in the local parish in each of the communities where they lived. She was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church of Turtle Lake and served on its Altar Society. She served as a den mother for Cub Scouts and was a life-long member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She and Warren were members of the Minot Moose and the Bismarck Elks.

Marion is survived by her children, Mary Mercer (John), Minot, Steve Olson (Nan), Sun Prairie, Wis., Jane Croeker, Grand Forks, Teresa Olson, Los Angeles, Sheila Dineen (Anthony), Williston, and Jim Olson (Kathy), Bismarck; her grandchildren, Darren Seifert and Laura Seifert (Ryan Laechelt); Sarah, Susan and Michelle Olson; Anthony and Dylan Croeker; Madeline and Francis Ponzio; and Kayla and Jack Olson; her step-grandchildren and their families, John Mercer, Goeff Mercer, Andrea Hanson, Daniel Dineen and Jacob Dineen; her great-grandchildren, Warren and Aurelia Laechelt; and her sisters-in-law, Lorraine Bryant, Ronan, Mont., Virginia Olson, Pelican Lake, Minn., and Marilyn Scott, Bowbells.

Marion was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sisters, Madeleine Thompson (Donald) and Lorraine Harris; her brothers-in-law, Jim Olson, Robert Olson and Ellsworth Bryant; her sister-in-law, Betty Simonson (Lawrence); and sons-in-law, Don Croeker and Fred Seifert. (Springan Funeral Home, Stanley; www.springanfuneralhome.com)