Obituary Posted: 12/21/05
Elaine Harriet Olson was the fourth of nine children born to Edwin and Hilda (Troe) Hagen, who lived on her grandparentís farm in Worth County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Somber Lutheran Church.
Growing up, she was quite adventurous and something of a tomboy who enjoyed climbing trees and playing with her brothers and cousins. She loved to participate in school plays and spelling bees. She also enjoyed painting and crafts, and could play piano by ear.
Elaine married Charles Olson in June of 1976 in the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Iowa and they made their home in Rock Creek.
Elaine was a wonderful and gracious person who touched the hearts and was loved by everyone who knew her. She was a wonderful cook, as confirmed by her husband, Chuck, and children. She was known far and wide for her specialties, such as her bread, bars and potato salad.
The family has great memories of sharing the holidays that Elaine made special. She taught her children and grandchildren values and family traditions. They have wonderful memories of vacations, trips to South Dakota, and other exotic locations. She loved to go shopping with the ìgirlsî and attending country western shows with her husband and friends. She also enjoyed watching those shows on television.
Family meant everything to Elaine. Some of her final words were ìLove one another.î She leaves behind a loving husband, 4 children, 3 step-children, 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who will sorely miss her. She always had a special place in her heart for the young grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was very proud of her puzzle frames with their photos. They always lit her smile.
Elaine fought a determined battle against the disease that claimed her life on December 16, 2005 at her home in Rock Creek. She made great efforts to create final additional memories for her family. She knew she was going to heaven and her family was comforted by that thought. She shared her faith with her children.
Hebrews 13:5, He said, ìI will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.î
Elaine is survived by her husband, Chuck; her daughters: Linda Gorton of Los Angeles, CA and Patti (Tony) Anderson of Rush City, Minn.; her sons: Butch (Marya) Willert of Rush City, Michael (Wendy Whittaker) Willert of Pine City, Minn.; step-children: Dennis Olson of Harris, MN, Greg (Melissa) Olson of Rush City, and Nancy (Steve) Swanson of North Branch, Minn.; 21 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters: Iva (Carl) Willert of Lake Mills, IA and Marilyn Stevens of Woodbury, Minn.; brothers: Clarion (Ruby) Hagen of Louisiana, Lyle (Mary Lou) Hagen of Waterloo, IA, David (Helen) Hagen of Charles City, IA, and Ervin (Linda) Hagen of Osage, IA; many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Hilda Hagen, and her brothers Leo and Merle Hagen.
Funeral service was 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005 at St. Johnís Lutheran Church in Rush City with the Reverend Wallace Nordquist officiating. Music was provided by Randi Olson, Brittany Best, Julie Best, Dan Morris, and Tony Anderson. Casket bearers were Elaineís grandsons: Josh Anderson, Dustin Willert, Cory Willert, Shay Willert, Brandon Whittaker, Tchevy Olson, Gavin Olson, Joe Benolken, Chris Benolken, Jack Olson, and Jedaiah Olson.
Interment was at the St. Johnís Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service, Olson Chapel, Rush City, Minnesota.
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