Gretchen Ruth Olson

Gretchen Ruth Olson obituary

Gretchen Ruth Olson

Gretchen Olson Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Twin Cities Cremation on Aug. 13, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Loving wife, mother, and grandma, Gretchen Ruth Olson, 87, entered the presence of the Lord on August 7, 2025. She lived a life rooted in faith, devoted to Christ, and guided by the teachings of the Holy bible.

Gretchen was born in LaCrosse, WI to Edwin Groth and Ruth Schmaltz in 1938. She was the youngest of 3. Gretchen married Norman Olson in 1958. They started their family in LaCrosse and then moved to Blaine, MN in 1968. They raised two daughters, Kristine and Paula.

She was a dedicated employee of Northwestern Bell for 31 years as a telephone operator. Her greatest joy was being 'Grandma O' in the lives of all her grandchildren. Throughout her life, she found joy in prayer, strength, and peace in the promises of eternal life. She shared her faith through kindness, compassion, and unyielding trust in God's plan.

Gretchen is survived by her children; Kristine Arey (Scott), and Paula Welch (Patrick). Grandchildren, Kendyl (Bob) Bernard, Kellen (Libby) Arey, Kaley (Nick) Sveen, Nathan Lukasavitz, Austin Niemann, and Tanner Niemann. Great Grandchildren; Addison, Avery, Lennox and Briar.

A private family celebration of life will be held at Fort Snelling Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to John Hagee Ministries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Twin Cities Cremation

344 University Avenue W., Saint Paul, MN 55104-5331

Make a Donation
in Gretchen Olson's name

How to support Gretchen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gretchen Olson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Gretchen Olson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?