Lorraine E. Olson

Lorraine E. Olson, 93, of Black Earth, WI, (formerly of Willmar), died on Thursday, January 30th, at Heartland Country Village in Black Earth. Her Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, March 7, 11:00am at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar. Private Interment was in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Willmar.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.hafh.org

Lorraine E. Olson was born June 21, 1926, in Dassel, MN, the daughter of Levi and Ina (Kulla) Haapala.  She grew up in Dassel and graduated from Dassel High School with the Class of 1944.  Following graduation, Lorraine attended St. Olaf College in Northfield.  On August 18, 1948, Lorraine was united in marriage to Winton Olson.  They made their home in Dassel until 1954, when they moved to Cokato, then Minneapolis, and later to Willmar in 1967. Together they raised two children, Michael and Wendy. In 2002, Lorraine and Winton enjoyed their final move together to Independence Place in Willmar. Winton preceded her in death on October 2, 2010.  Lorraine continued to live in Willmar until 2015, when she moved to Mt. Horeb, WI, and later to Black Earth, to be closer to family. 

Lorraine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of faith. She was passionate about music, and was an accomplished pianist. She loved nature, with one of her favorite places being Itasca State Park.   

She was baptized in the Lutheran faith and later confirmed her faith on May 25, 1941, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel.  Lorraine was an active member of Bethel Lutheran, where she served as a piano accompanist for the adult and youth choirs, and also sang in the choir.

Surviving are her children: Michael (and Jane) Olson of Masonville, CO, and Wendy (and Jeff) Rasmussen of Mount Horeb, WI; sister, Shirley (and Roger) Johnson of Overland Park, KS: two grandchildren, Kyle (and Sarah) Rasmussen, and Leah (and fiancé Steven Mathe) Rasmussen; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her husband, Winton, she was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Ina, and eight siblings, Bernard, Raymond, Margaret, Bruce, Dorothy, Florence, John, and Sherman.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lorraine E. Olson, please visit our floral store.