Norma Olsen

Norma Louise (Curry) Olsen, Brainerd, MN passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the St. Cloud Hospital with her family by her side.  She was born June 1, 1931 in Garden Grove, CA to Carl & Belah Mae Curry.  She graduated from Fresno High School in 1949.  She moved to Minneapolis where she met Arnold Olsen.  They were married in 1956 and eventually moved to Brainerd in 1963.

Norma worked several positions in Accounting while she and Arnie raised their three children in the Brainerd lakes area.  She had been an active volunteer with the Brainerd Lakes Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, enjoyed the quilting group at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter where she was a member, and was enjoying making new friends at the Bethany Senior Living Apartments in Brainerd where she moved last fall.

Norma always believed strongly in preparing her children for an independent and fulfilling life by her emphasis on the importance of faith, family and fun.  She had a great sense of humor, sharp wit and the extraordinary ability to orchestrate multiple family reunions, events and genealogy trees that created a lifetime of relationships with family, friends and her local community.  Her passion for these things will never be forgotten.

She and Arnie loved to travel and took several trips abroad; having fun while meeting newly found family members in Norway and Sweden as well as taking in the local sights.

Norma will be forever remembered and loved by her children, Steve (Denise) Olsen of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Debra Olk of Sartell, MN, and Jan (Jason) Gaalswyk of Farmington, MN; six grandchildren, Olivia and Sofia Olsen of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Ryan (Leah) Olk of Rice, MN, Lindsay (Wes) Reis of Holdingford, MN, Jessica Gaalswyk of Star, ID and Jeanna Gaalswyk of Farmington, MN; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte Olk of Rice, MN and Wyatt Reis of Holdingford, MN; siblings, Linda (Ellis) Kaster of Independence, MO, Phillip Curry of San Diego, CA and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Larry Olk, and husband Arnold Olsen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 6190 Fairview Road No., Baxter, MN from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with funeral services beginning at 3pm.  Private inurnment at the MN State Veteran’s Cemetery in Little Falls will be at 11am on Monday, October 7, 2019. Arrangements by Brenny Family Funeral Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Susan G. Komen Minnesota, 960 Southdale Center, Edina, MN 55435.