Audrey Viola Olson

Audrey Olson, 96 of Alexandria, formerly of Kensington, passed away at her home at Bethany on the Lake on August 5, 2025. Memorial Services will be held at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church in rural Farwell on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 beginning at 11:00 AM, with a public visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will take place at the church cemetery with a funeral luncheon to follow. Audrey's service will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend her service. 

Audrey Viola Person was born November 28, 1928 at home in Ben Wade Township, just outside of Lowry Minnesota to Carl Oscar and Matilda (Nelson) Person. She was the fourth of seven children born to the couple. Audrey was raised on the family farm along with her siblings. She was baptized and confirmed at Norunga Lutheran Church and attended grade school in Lowry and high school in Glenwood. After high school, she worked at the Dahl House as a waitress and as a bookkeeper at the cooperative creamery.

On June 6, 1952, Audrey was united in marriage to Lloyd Everett Olson of Farwell, Minnesota at the Norunga church parsonage. Shortly after marriage they purchased a farm near Farwell. From dairy farming and crafting to gravedigging, there wasn’t much the couple didn’t do together.

Eventually welcoming four children (one son and three daughters), Audrey was busy at home on the farm as well as in her community. Among her many activities, Audrey participated as a 4H leader, Boy Scout Den Mother, church choir member, Sunday school teacher, Ladies Aid, Auxiliary, and TOPS leader. She also volunteered at the Douglas County Hospital for more than 25 years and at the Douglas County Fair for over 40.

In 1983, the family moved off the farm to a house in rural Kensington. Here, Audrey began house cleaning for many people for more than 20 years. Ironically, cleaning for the “elderly” while she herself was in her 80s.

After Lloyd's sudden passing in 2003, Audrey was able to remain in her rural Kensington home with the help of her children for several years. In 2017 she moved to Winona Shores in Alexandria, then later to Holly Ridge in Starbuck in 2022, and eventually settling at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria in September of 2024. Audrey made many new friends and was able to create community wherever she lived. She was loved by many for her kind and compassionate heart. And despite her significant hearing loss, she was an incredible listener.

It was no surprise to those who knew her best that Audrey lived late into her 90s. She was incredibly strong both physically and mentally – beating both Covid and Pneumonia several times. On Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Audrey passed away at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria. Beyond her family, she will be missed deeply by her fellow members of Oscar Lake Lutheran Church (for which she was a member for over 70 years), as well as by her many friends and family who were able to enjoy her correspondence, and her legendary orange salad and marshmallow pie.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Pamela Olson, and Patricia (Steve) Olson; daughter-in-law, Patti Olson; grandchildren: Shane Olson, Stacey Olson, Alex Carnes, Erik (Savannah) Olaphson, Aubrey Olson; great-grandchildren: Briana and Gavin Olson, Viggo Olaphson; brother-in-law, Arnie Gunness; sister-in-law, Arlene Person; as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Matilda Person; husband, Lloyd Olson; daughter, Debra Kay Olson; son, David Lloyd Olson; son-in-law, Roger Carnes; siblings: Ordella Person, Clayton (Rudella) Person, Marvel (Joe Moen) (Gerald Olson) Olson, Shirley (Mike) Neumann), Donald Person Sr, Betty Gunness; Lloyd's siblings: Clifford (Mae) Olson, Evey (Warren) Thompson, Al (Phronie) Olson, Donny (Joanne) Olson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Gifts received will be donated to organizations assisting individuals with hearing loss, hospice care, or the Oscar Lake Lutheran Church.

Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of arrangements for Audrey.