Marilyn Olson

Marilyn J. Olson passed away from cancer on November 16, 2021. On June 9, 1938 she was born, along with her twin brother Marvin to beloved parents, Carl and Aletta Gubrud of Bagley, MN. Marilyn was united in matrimony in 1959 to James V. Olson of Bottineau, ND. Together they had one daughter, Dawn and two sons, Chad and Kenneth James. Marilyn was proud of her Norwegian heritage and mastered the art of making Scandinavian KranseKake for special occasions. She also did a great job making Leftsa and could often be found in the kitchen trying out a new recipe. She was also a member of the Nisswa Women's Club, the Nisswa Garden Club and a member of Lutheran Church of the Cross. Marilyn enjoyed listening to music and audio books but most of all just liked being with her family who will miss her dearly as they also enjoyed her company, especially on the holidays. While living in Nisswa she liked taking her two dogs out on the kayak and watching loons, the occasional eagle and other wildlife. Marilyn was enthusiastic about most things and could be described as an eternal optimist. One of her passions was dancing, and over the years she took part in Geritol Frolics, Golden Kix and more recently a dance team that entertained at the mall, the senior expo, the Crow Wing County fair and various nursing homes. Marilyn especially enjoyed learning new dances and being friends with Sandy Chase. Thanks Sandy!

Marilyn is survived by her sister, Aldora (Robert) Anderson; her children, Chad Olson and Dawn (Dale) Bjerkness; daughter-in-law, Christina Olson; five grandchildren: Savanna Bruno, Jorgen Bjerkness, Marissa Bjerkness, Cody (Chunchen) Olson and Cecelie (Brandon) Beckler; along with four great grandchildren: Ariana, Iris, Theia, and Loki. She was preceded in death by her parents, and seven siblings: Gordon (Ruth) Gubrud, Warren (Alice) Gubrud, Orville (Dorothy) Gubrud, Marvin (Lorraine) Gubrud, Leroy Gubrud, Elaine (Roy) Kundtz and Vivian (Donald) Harlin and also her son, Kenneth Olson who passed away in 2016.

Marilyn was very grateful to all the wonderful people from the Cypress Court apartments who prayed for her and supplied her with a steady stream of cards.

Memorial services will be 11 AM on Saturday, May 21, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa. Interment will take place at the Lutheran Church of the Cross Memorial Garden.