Janis Olson

August 7, 1946 – January 2, 2023
Janis ("Jan") Jean Olson, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on January 2, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 76. Jan was born in Minneapolis, MN on August 7, 1946, to parents Odin & Jean Melgaard. Her family lived in Rogers, MN until moving to Buffalo when she was seven. Jan graduated from Buffalo High School in 1964. She attended Mankato State before returning to Buffalo and working at an orthopedic clinic. On January 21, 1967, Jan was joined in holy marriage to Marlowe W. Anderson at Zion Lutheran Church and moved to Lake Pulaski in Buffalo later that year. God blessed their marriage with three children, Stephanie, Leslie, and Hunter. Jan played a critical role as partner in Marlowe's business, Buffalo Refrigeration, and she also owned and operated her own fabric store, Jan's Fabrics. Jan and her family enjoyed their life together on Lake Pulaski – hosting many gatherings for friends, family, and neighbors while enjoying many beautiful sunsets overlooking the west side of the lake.
After 27 years of marriage, Marlowe passed away in 1994. On January 17, 1998, Jan married Eldon Olson at Buffalo Covenant Church. Jan and Eldon enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Arizona, and spending time with their grandchildren. After moving to the other side of Lake Pulaski, Jan continued to host her friends, family, and neighbors and was able to enjoy all the amazing sunrises now overlooking the east side of the lake.
Jan had countless interests sewing, baking, driving, maintaining her perfect yard, splitting wood, life on Lake Pulaski, but what she loved most was spending time with her family. She was dedicated, faithful, and compassionate, and truly had a servant's heart. Jan was baptized and believed in Jesus, and today she is in her heavenly home. This gift of faith given to her by the Lord sustained her throughout all her days on earth, particularly in her journey through her cancer diagnosis and treatment. She was a shining light for others to see, and we look forward to seeing her again on the Last Day when Jesus returns. Amen.
Jan is preceded in death by her parents, Odin and Jean Melgaard; in-laws Fred and Bernice Anderson; first husband Marlowe and second husband Eldon; sister-in-law Adrienne Melgaard.
Survived by brother Gerard Melgaard; children Stephanie (Mike) Shaffer, Leslie Anderson, Hunter (Dawn) Anderson; brother-in-law Kent Anderson; Terri (Reid) Gilbert, Dan (Andra) Olson, Mark (Thona) Olson, Julie (Dennis) Lingo; Nephew Hans (Jeani) Melgaard & niece Camille (Ian) MacCallum.
15 Grandchildren; Jennie (Brian), Lindsey, Emily, Audrey, Michael (Gayle), Allie (Sam), Erik (Katie), Thomas (Kellie), Kirsten, Matt (Mollie), Luke, Andrew, Sam, Wyatt & Macie.
10 great grandchildren; Henrik, Magnus, Sky, Sula, Gordie, Marin, Roman, Bode, Sage & Eliza.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 5th from 4pm to 7pm at Buffalo Covenant Church. Memorial service will be held Friday, January 6th, at 11am with visitation one hour prior at Buffalo Covenant Church in Buffalo, MN. The Peterson Chapel Buffalo, MN 763-682-1363