Janet Olson

Janet Olson, age 86, of Fosston, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10th, at Cornerstone Living in Fosston under care of Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston with the Rev. Peter Lurvey officiating. Interment will be in Brandsvold Cemetery, rural Fosston. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com. Expressions of sympathy through donations to a local organization in Janet’s memory are welcome and appreciated.

Janet Helene Olson was born on January 29, 1939, the daughter of the late Henry and Joanne (Hove) Olson. Janet grew up in Fosston, graduating from Fosston High School in 1957. Many of her fondest childhood memories were made at her grandmother Lucy’s farm, where she spent much of her youth.

Following high school, Janet struck out to build a career providing administrative services starting with Northwestern Bell in Rochester, MN, and next working in Grand Forks, ND. In 1964, she moved to Minneapolis, where she worked at Colle McVoy until 1978. She purchased her South Minneapolis condo in 1975, a symbol of the fierce independence that characterized her life. Janet spent many years at Colle McVoy and Lakewood Cemetery until retiring in 1998.

After retirement, Janet returned to Fosston to care for her mother, selling her condo and purchasing an accessible home for both of them. She continued to stay active, working part time and giving generously of her time and talents in the community. She volunteered for the Fosston schools, Hospital Auxiliary, Embassy Community Center and its associated organizations such as Senior Meals, Senior Center Card Club, and Sons of Norway. She also was involved in the organization of Fosston High School reunions and was a devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church.

Janet found joy in multiple hobbies such as reading, traveling, photography, gardening, and bowling and was a devoted Minnesota Twins fan. She will be remembered for her steadfast independence, dedication to family and community, and her generosity.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents, Henry and Joann; sisters Lorna and Beverly; brothers Walter and Wallace; and many beloved relatives and friends.

Janet is survived by her nieces and nephew: Jennifer Olson of Apple Valley, MN; Joseph (Andrea) Olson and their son Otto of Edina, MN; and Ellen Widstrand of Moorhead, MN. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mickey Olson of Edina, MN; brother-in-law, Rolf Widstrand of Aurora, MN; along with many extended family members and friends who will dearly miss her.