Margaret "Marg" Ann Olson

Margaret Ann (Marg) Olson was born to Peter and Esther (Nelsen) Nelson on April 6, 1930 on the farm near Goldfield, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove, Iowa. When Marg was a young girl, her family moved to a farm west of Eagle Grove. She attended country school in Wright County and graduated from Eagle Grove High School with the Class of 1947. After high school graduation Marg lived in Fort Dodge and worked as a long-distance telephone operator. On January 12, 1951, she was united in marriage to Willard Judine Olson at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove. Marg worked as a bookkeeper in Eagle Grove while Willard was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. When Willard returned from the service, he and Marg farmed on the “Olson Home Place” near Thor. It was here where they welcomed their three children – daughters Rebecca Ann, Kristine Marie, and son Craig Willard. In January of 1958 the family moved to a farm near Moorland, and to Humboldt, in December of 1959. In November of 1962 the family moved to Harlan, Iowa when Willard was employed at Western Iowa Pork.  

Marg was a wife, mother, and homemaker who enjoyed cooking, canning, and baking. Her children fondly remember walking into the house after school, greeted with the aroma of freshly baked homemade bread. Her homemade cinnamon rolls and raised donuts were also a treat. Marg’s hobbies included reading, tending her flower beds, and knitting.  She made mittens, stocking caps, and baby blankets for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In the late 1970’s, Marg started working part time for Present Trends and Christmas Trends gift shops in Harlan. 

Marg and Willard’s romance began on the dance floor. They continued their love of music and dancing throughout their 65-year marriage. Even when Willard was using his walker, he and Marg could be found “dancing" in the family room to the music of the Big Band orchestras. Family vacations with long trips in the car were often opportunities for a family sing-a-long. Both Marg and Willard enjoyed traveling. They enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, going to their events, and taking them on special outings. 

Marg was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan where she taught Sunday school, participated in Bible studies, and was active in her church circle. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was eager to share her faith with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and was instrumental in encouraging them to grow in their faith. 

Marg died at her home in Harlan on Thursday February 15 ,2024 having attained the age of 93 years, 10 months, and 9 days. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Willard, her parents, sister Betty Nelson, brother Lyle Nelson, sister-in-law Betty Lou Nelson, sister Doris Harms and brother-in-law Gerald Harms. She is survived by her daughters Rebecca (Jim) Chipman and Kristine Olson Harmon, and son Craig (Judi) Olson all of Harlan; brother James Nelson (Janet) Nelson of Reston Virginia, and sister-in-law Shirley Olson of Eagle Grove. Additional survivors include grandchildren Eric (Hope) Chipman of Harlan, David (Kristi) Chipman of Big Rapids, Michigan, Anna Harmon of Des Moines, Jacob Harmon (Mariah) of Dubuque, Sarah Lucke (Bryan) of Omaha, NE, and James Olson also of Omaha; six great-grand sons Grant, Will, and Theo Chipman of Harlan and Jonathan, Andrew, and Matthew Chipman of Big Rapids, Michigan; numerous nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.

May the memory of Marg Olson be a blessing to all those who knew and loved her.

Visitation with the family will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with Marg's funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. Interment is in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan. 

The funeral service will be livestreamed through the Facebook page of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan.