Nelda L. Olson

Nelda Lorraine Olson, 97, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, sitting on the porch enjoying the fresh air, surrounded by family. Born the daughter of Charles and Anna (Barthel) Severson, on May 16, 1928, in Garfield, Minnesota, Nelda lived a full and vibrant life, marked by resilience, love, and laughter.

Nelda graduated from Evansville High School in 1946, and shortly after, she married the love of her life, Clinton Olson, on January 18, 1947, at the West Moe Lutheran Church Parsonage. Together, they embraced the beautiful chaos of family life, welcoming seven children: Nancy, Roland, Bonnie, Douglas, Lorraine, Daniel, and Jennifer.

Since Nelda was 10 months old, she called the Evansville farm home, where she and Clinton worked side by side, milking cows and tending to the land. As a devoted homemaker, she poured her heart into raising her family. Those who knew Nelda often recall her quick wit and the warmth she radiated, making her home a hub of laughter and love. She had a knack for fixing things and a curious heart that led her to explore garage sales in search of hidden (free) treasures. She also enjoyed sewing and made sure to equip each of her daughters and granddaughters with a Singer sewing machine.

As an only child, Nelda cherished her large family, where gatherings became treasured moments filled with joy and connection. Her faith was an integral part of her life, as she was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Evansville.

She is survived by her beloved children, Nancy (Ron) Miller, Roland (Linda) Olson, Bonnie Olson, Lorraine (Jerry) Kram, and Jennifer (Gordy) Shaw; 15 grandchildren (Holly, Neil, Andrea, Ben, Anthony, Nicole, Erin, Jared, LeAnna, Heather, Erica, Bryan, Brandon, Andrew, Adam); and 18 great grandchildren (Marshall, Ava, Mason, Nathan, Brooke, Briley, Jaycee, Macey, Corbin, Everett, Noah, Talan, Tanner, Joslyn, Dezmond, Carter, Jorja, Payton).

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, husband Clinton; sons, Douglas and Daniel; grandson Christopher Olson; and 6 sisters-in-law (Merle, Jeanette, LaVerne, Norma, Delores, Ardelle).

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11 AM at Faith Lutheran Church in Evansville, MN with Pastor Brad Pearson officiating.

A visitation will take place one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Tuesday.

Interment will be in Mound Grove Cemetery in Evansville, MN.

The family would like to thank Vivie Hospice for the outstanding care and compassion they provided.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory in Alexandria.