Annette Marie Olson

Annette Marie Olson (Foose), age 88, of St. Michael, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, after a short but fierce battle with cancer.

Born in Nuremberg, Pennsylvania, Annette was the eldest of 11 children to Charles and Marie Foose (Patt). After high school, she moved to New Jersey to pursue her nursing career. There she met a tall, charming sailor at an ice cream shop. Marvin Olson, serving in the U.S. Navy, was immediately smitten with her beautiful smile. He persistently asked for dates until she finally said yes. The couple moved to Marvin's home town in North Dakota and were married shortly thereafter on November 7, 1959, in Minnesota. Annette was a devoted wife and mother to their five children: Lynnette, Eric, Briana, Erin, and Kathryn. She absolutely adored her eight grandchildren: Ian, Anna, Jack, Lake, Lane, Livia, Alexander and Ethan.

Annette was a caretaker at heart, and put her nursing skills to use for her beloved neighbors, who naturally gravitated toward her for care. A woman of many talents, Annette expressed her creativity through elaborate cake decorating for birthdays, painting beautiful ceramic pieces, sewing holiday outfits for her children, and later through intricate coloring books and hand-knitted potholders. Professionally, she worked at General Mills and Web Label.

Annette was an avid reader and loved James A. Michener's novels, devouring them with remarkable speed. She loved spending time at Grace Lake, Rush Lake, and Lower Twin Lake, where she would relax on the dock and watch the gentle movement of the water. Like many in her large family, she was a formidable competitor at any and all card games. Her creativity lives on through her elaborate holiday ceramic pieces, colorful artwork, photographs, knitted items, and her cherished collection of cardinal and owl figurines.

Annette is survived by her husband Marvin and four of their children and spouses: Eric (Sue) Olson, Briana Olson, Erin (Jeff) Mastro, and Kathryn (Jonathon) Blaha; her grandchildren: Ian and Anna Olson (Eric/Sue), Jack Olson (Briana), Lake, Lane, and Livia Mastro (Erin/Jeff), and Alexander and Ethan Blaha (Kathryn/Jonathon); her seven siblings: Dawn Colosimo, Sharon Homan, Jean Brasky, Dorothy Irvin, Kevin Foose, June Minnig, and Debra Flurie; and over 50 nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Lynnette Frye (survived by George Frye), her parents Charles and Marie Foose, and her siblings Beverly Michael, Lanny Foose, and Marilyn Hartz.

Those wishing to offer condolences may send them to The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael.

Friends and loved ones are invited to share memories and stories on Annette's Caring Bridge site.

https://tinyurl.com/Annette-Caring-Bridge