Arlene Carolyn Olson

Arlene Carolyn Olson

Arlene Carolyn Olson, age 89, of Virginia, Minn., died on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Carefree Living in Aurora.

Arlene was born on August 19, 1935, in Soudan, Minn., the daughter of Swan H. and Fanny A. (Torkko) Branwall, and her stepfather, Axel Branwall. She grew up in Soudan and graduated as valedictorian of the Tower-Soudan High School Class of 1953.

After high school, Arlene moved to Duluth, where she earned her certification as a medical technologist. She worked in Duluth and Minneapolis upon completion of her certificate. On September 6, 1958, she married Richard T. Olson of Tower at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Soudan. Together, they lived in San José, Calif., Chisholm, and Minneapolis while Richard completed his medical training. In 1969, they settled in Virginia, Minn., where Richard was an ophthalmologist at the East Range Clinic, and the family spent wonderful years at their cabin on Lake Vermilion. Arlene devoted much of her time to raising her 3 children and volunteering in the community. In later years, Arlene worked at Woodward's Yarn and Bookstore in the Thunderbird Mall, a job she loved until the store closed.

Arlene will be remembered for her deep love of baking and cooking, especially her Finnish cardamom bread (from a treasured family recipe) that she loved to share with family and friends. She loved to sew and was a skilled knitter who created countless beautiful sweaters, socks, hats, and dolls for loved ones. An avid reader, Arlene read widely but especially enjoyed mysteries and kept up with the news daily through newspapers and magazines.

A devoted member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church for over 50 years, Arlene volunteered faithfully to maintain and grow the church library. She also loved birdwatching, particularly the chickadees, loons, and Great Blue Herons she often spotted during quiet moments at Lake Vermilion.

Arlene is survived by her children: Carrie A. Olson of Denver, CO; Eric (Karen) Olson of Tower MN; Andrew (Naima) Olson of Roseville, MN; Grandchildren: Ekaterina Olson Shipyatsky; Gunnar Olson; Gavin (Brianne) Olson; Finn Olson; Samia Olson: Great-Granddaughter Hazel Olson; Nieces/Nephews: Scott (Marilyn) Kregness, Jorgine (Franklin) Gornick, Karen (Ward) Patterson, and Barbara (Steven) Burgess, and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather Axel Branwall; husband Richard; and sister: Laurene "Rena" Kregness.

The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Soudan, MN.

In lieu of flowers, Arlene requested gifts to the Hannah Olson Memorial Library at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia, MN or to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Soudan, MN.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To express condolences online please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.