Madonna "Donna" Jean Olson

Madonna “Donna” Jean Olson, age 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, October 20, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood Olson; parents Clifton and Christine Pederson; and siblings Roland (Jean) Pederson, Virginia Hegna, Gladys Morin, and Willard Pederson.

Donna was born August 7, 1929 in Sundown Township, Redwood County, Minnesota. She spent her childhood, youth, and school years there, as well. After graduating high school, she met the love of her life, Elwood, at the then-popular activity of roller skating. Elwood had recently returned from serving in the Army during World War II in the Pacific theater. After they married, they moved from the family farm to a home that they built together in Kasota, Minnesota. Over the next twenty years, they were blessed with six children.

In 1973, the family moved from the St. Peter, Minnesota area to Fenton, Iowa. After Elwood's passing in 1986, Donna moved to the Des Moines, Iowa area for a few years to spend time with her children and grandchildren there, later moving to Michigan to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and, eventually, great-grandchildren there.

Donna enjoyed reading, puzzles, card and board games, people, and listening to hymns. She especially relished besting Lynn at Yahtzee! During regular family Zoom meetings in recent years, she frequently responded to her grown children's antics with her patented "Oh my!" with palm to forehead. Donna was also well-known for her infectious smile. The joy of the Lord was truly her strength. She will always be remembered as a terrific mom, grand and great-grandmother.

She will be lovingly missed by her children Kevin (Sally) Olson, Lynn (Steve) Wendt, Joel (Valarie) Olson, Mark (Bethann) Olson, Lisa (Carl) Ross, and Laurie (Adam) Ozinga. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren Jessica (Ben) Phillips, Amber (Dave) Frueh, Brennan (Bailey) Wendt, Joel (Bud) Olson, Kelcey (Josh) Henely, Kaleb (Karalyn) Olson, Mark (Brklyn) Ross, Kevin Ross, John (Chloe) Ross, Jacob Hunt; many great-grandchildren; siblings Marliss (Jerry) Johnston, Steven (Marvana) Pederson; sister-in-law, Chris Pederson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A private family dinner is being held to honor Donna.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.