Jeanne Olson

Jeanne (Jeannie) M. Olson, age 91, died in a COVID special care unit at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, Bemidji, MN, early Sunday morning, November 8, 2020.

Jeanne was born on August 20, 1929 to John Laurence Fertig and Alice (Marie) Garceau-Fertig, in Kennedy, MN. She spent her younger years on the family farm near the Red River Lutheran Church, ten miles southwest of Hallock, MN on County Road 1 and County Road 7. The family relocated to Hallock after her father John Laurence passed away in 1942. There, she was an active and engaged student in school and graduated as the salutatorian of her Hallock High School class in 1947.

She attended Bemidji State College and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Math Education. She followed in her mother’s footsteps and taught and mentored high school students for more than 33 years in Warren and Argyle, MN

She married her life-long love, Gordon (Gordy) Olson on November 27, 1953 in Hallock, MN. They eventually settled in Warren, MN where they raised their four sons. Jeanne was a natural teacher and mentor. She was patient, supportive, encouraging and always nurturing to her children and her many students.

She was a woman of great faith and was a beloved member of First Lutheran Church where she was an active volunteer and member. In recent years she really enjoyed staying busy and participating in the Monday quilting group at the church. Jeanne was also a longtime supporter and volunteer of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 27, having served in many leadership positions throughout the years. Jeanne and Gordon were also proud members of the American Legion Color Guard, marching and participating in many area events and parades throughout the region over the years.

During this time of true uncertainty, it’s hard for families to celebrate the life of a loved one and to find the right words from remote corners that truly honor and pay tribute to the woman who raised and cared for us.  So, the family wanted to share these words written by David Gates in tribute our beloved mother, Jeanne Olson.

“You sheltered me from harm, kept me warm, you gave my life to me, you set me free. The finest years I ever knew, were all the years I had with you.”

Jeanne is survived by three sons, Steve and Debbie Olson, St. Louis Park, MN; Dennis and Sherry Olson, Moorhead, MN; and Jeff Olson, Bismarck, ND. Jeanne was also blessed with 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Of which, nine were grandsons; Scott, Brad, Brandon, Darron, Cody, Kyle, Ryan, Ethan, and Jakob; and one granddaughter, Madalyn; and two great granddaughters, Elly and Rayna, and one great grandson, Jack.

Jeanne is also survived by her siblings, Mona Fertig, sister, and David Fertig, brother, both of Hallock, MN, and sister Theolyn (Theo) and Eben Brunton, Olympia, WA.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Larry Fertig, her husband of 52 years, Gordon, and her oldest son, Bruce.

PRIVATE FAMILY FUNERAL SERVICE: Will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at First Lutheran Church in Warren, MN with Rev. Maribeth McGoven officating.

INTERMENT: 2:15 PM on Thursday, November 12, 2020 in Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN.  The public is invited to the Graveside Service and masks and social distancing will be required.

Since Jeanne had dedicated her professional life to educating, mentoring and nurturing young lives, In lieu of flowers, her family is requesting that any memorials be made to the WAO Education Foundation.

To watch a video of Jeanne's funeral service, please click the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/165181363494299/videos/990600564767361