Dorothy Olson

Dorothy Margaret Olson, 86, of Willmar, died Tuesday evening, December 10, at Bethesda Heritage Center Nursing Home in Willmar.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, December 16, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Dorothy was born March 24, 1927, in Fairmont, Minnesota, to Edward and Gladys (Weis) Schultz. She grew up in Bird Island and received her education at St. Mary's Catholic School in Bird Island. On June 7, 1948, Dorothy was united in marriage to Eugene "Gene" Olson. They made their home in Willmar and also lived in many areas of the United States during Gene's baseball career. Dorothy was employed as a cook at the Willmar Jr. High School and performed custodial duties at Washington School, retiring in 1992. Dorothy was a member of the Church of St. Mary and was a devoted catholic and homemaker. She enjoyed playing card games, cooking and baking. She also enjoyed traveling and the years she and Gene spent together wintering in Texas. Dorothy looked forward to family gatherings and visits with her grandchildren, of whom she was so proud of. She would always remind them to "keep your love flowing like a river". Her home was always open to others who couldn't leave without a cup of coffee and a chocolate chip cookie.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 65 years: Gene of Willmar; five children: Jeanine (and Ron) Christianson of Willmar, John (and Maxine) Olson of Willmar, Mary (and Charles) Sondrol of Sunburg, Mark Olson (and special friend, Lori) of Willmar, and Jane Nelson of St. Louis Park; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one sister: Joan Borchart of Norwood-Young America; besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister: Donna Christofferson.

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