Dorothy "Dotty" Lu Olson

Dorothy Olson of Sebeka, MN sprouted her wings and began her final and most important journey on August 31st, 2016 Dorothy is survived by her husband Dennis Olson, her daughter Jolene Diamond (Wanda Baity), son Bradley Olson, daughter Glenda Olson (Steve Limanen), grandson Jesse Olson (Callie) and their three children Jack, Gwendolyn and Penelope and grandson Shad Olson in addition, to her sisters three sons; Don, Paul and Mark Lien and her brothers daughter, Christine Schutta. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sister Doris Lien, her brother David Jenson and her niece Patty Shrum. Dorothy was born in Albert Lea, MN on July 14th, 1942 to Allen and Eldora Jenson. She graduated from high school in 1960 and moved to Minneapolis where she worked for Northwestern Bell as an operator. While working there she met Dennis Olson from Sebeka, MN and they were married on May 13th, 1961. They moved to Sebeka a few years later and she has called this home every since. Over the years Dorothy worked as a nursing assistant at the hospital in Park Rapids and at the local cheese factory while it was in operation. She could also be seen at the local Gulf/Pro gas station on Hwy. 71 helping Dennis pump gas and in the office doing the book work for DJ’s Service. In 1977 she went to work for the Sebeka School District as a paraprofessional and remained there until her retirement in 2004. Even after her retirement Dorothy remained active at the school and up until a little over a year ago was going to the school to read to the elementary students. Dorothy was a very active member of the congregation at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Throughout the years she filled multiple roles; among them were teaching Sunday school and being active in Bible school. Dorothy was active on the church council, directed the church choir, started and directed the bell choir and served thousands of potatoes during Sebeka’s summer celebration at the Potato Booth. She also served as the church treasurer until 2015 when her health made it necessary for her to resign that post. Dorothy was also an involved member of her community. She led a local woman’s barbershop A Cappella group called the B Sharps for many years, sang with the Northern Lights chorale and participated in the Sebeka C&C. She was active in a book club and was a member of the local Red Hat Society. Needless to say, idle was not a word in this giving woman’s vocabulary. Throughout the years many of you have worked beside Dorothy, shared your thoughts on the latest good read with her and most importantly shared your love and gift of music, laughter and good times with her which has created a collage of memories. Those of you who did not know her because of her busy spiritual and social calendar most likely would know her by her wave as she and her dogs Ramona and Bentley put on thousands of miles on their daily walks along the streets of this town she called home. Her musical gifts, her faith in God and her dedication too many groups and organizations has touched many lives throughout many generations. She is one very blessed lady as she is now singing in the most exalted choir ever. Listen… Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, September 5, 2016 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.