Glenda Gail Olson

1936 - 2025

Glenda Gail Olson, age 89 of Marquette, Michigan, passed away on November 6, 2025 at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living in Marquette.

Born on June 20, 1936 in Robinson, Illinois, Glenda Gail (commonly known as Gail), was the daughter of Gerald and Deloris (Ritch) Flenner. Gail was raised in Robinson and graduated from Robinson High School in 1954. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Eastern Illinois University. In 1959, she married Ralph Olson and together they raised three children in Crown Point, Indiana.

While living in Crown Point, Gail began her library career at the Crown Point Community Library. She enjoyed working in various departments and especially loved her role as the head children's librarian. Gail continued her education at Indiana University, where she received her Master of Library Science degree. Through her passion and leadership, she became the Director of the library in 1993 and served as such until her retirement in 2000.

In 2002, Gail and Ralph moved to Dallas, Texas where they enjoyed warmer weather and living closer to grandchildren. Throughout the years, they also spent time at their Marquette lake house where they cherished time with grandchildren and life around Lake Superior. Gail permanently relocated to Marquette in 2005.

Gail's creativity and curiosity were boundless. She was an avid reader and a very gifted artist, known for her jewelry, paintings, stained glass, wood carving, and various other crafts. She also loved gardening and singing, both during her college years and throughout her life. Her family will fondly remember her as mercurial, stubborn in the best of ways, endlessly creative, and full of life and humor.

Gail is survived by her children Ralph Olson of Marquette, Michigan; Cory (Leigh) Olson of Miami Beach, Florida; and Amy (Karl) Coleman of Renton, Washington; as well as her grandchildren Marin Olson, Kira Olson, Meredith Olson, Jennifer Chandler, and Hannah Olson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ralph.

Gail will be remembered for her deep love of family, her artistic spirit, and her dedication to knowledge and creativity. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Honoring Gail's request, no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to U.P. Home Health and Hospice, 1125 West Ridge Street, Marquette, MI 49855. The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.