Thelma I. Olson

Thelma was born on June 22, 1924 to parents, Don and Emma Smouse in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

She moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to work in an ammunition factory during WWII. While living there, she met returning Army serviceman, Harvey Olson. They married on December 2nd, 1944 and enjoyed 56 years together until Harvey’s death in 2001. After living in Iowa for a few years, Thelma and Harvey moved to the Duluth / Proctor area.

Thelma was a loving homemaker who enjoyed raising her children. When they were nearly grown, she worked as a Nursing Assistant at Viewcrest Nursing Home and later as a clerk at Austin’s Hardware Hank store in Proctor, a job she truly enjoyed.

Thelma loved family gatherings and enjoyed cooking for her children and grandchildren. She was happiest at Holidays when the whole family gathered together.

Thelma was an active member of the UMW Lois Circle at Forbes United Methodist Church. Her church home was very important to her and she instilled that love within her children.

She lived nearly five years at Edgewood Vista in Hermantown and considered it her home. She was especially fond of staff members, Monica, Tammy, and Ben. She recently spent several weeks at St. Eligius in Duluth and her family would like to thank the staff, especially Janice and Pat. The family would also like to commend and thank the staff at Solvay Hospice House for their exceptional care.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Jessie; brothers, Jake, Frank, Donald, and Dale.

Thelma is survived by daughter, Connie; sons, Terry (Nancy), Steven (Diane), and Michael (Barbara); son-in-law, David Stanley; grandchildren, Krista (Pat) Soderstrom, Rebecca (Kelly) Pulju, Matthew, Kate, and Jeffrey Olson, Sarah (J.R.) Walker, Anna Sederski, and William Stanley; great grandchildren, Luke, Annika, Sofia, and Hannah; brothers, Harold (Maxine) Smouse, and Charles (Marlene) Smouse; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 10am until the 11am Memorial Service, Saturday, June 9, 2012 in Forbes United Methodist Church, 33 Grove St. in Proctor.

Memorials preferred to Forbes United Methodist Church.

To leave a memory of Thelma or words of support, please visit our website at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com