Susan R. Olson

Susan Olson, 70, of rural Battle Lake died Saturday, December 24, 2022, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls.

Susan Renee Olson was born on March 12, 1952, the daughter of Arlo and LeVonne (Swenson) Hanson.  She was baptized and confirmed in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dalton.  Sue attended the Dalton School through the eighth grade and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1970.  She continued her education at the Alexandria Technical School, earning a degree in business and clerical services.  Sue moved to Fargo, North Dakota and was employed with Burlington Northern Railroad.

Susan and John Robert Olson met at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church and were married on September 22, 1973, in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dalton, Minnesota.  They moved to their home in Eagle Lake Township.  Sue was a favored leader for the girls of Our Savior’s youth group, and she enjoyed leading them on multiple canoe trips to the Boundary Waters.  Sue operated a childcare out of her home for many years until she found her calling as a CNA at the Good Samaritan Home in Battle Lake where she was a caregiver for 28 years.  She advocated for elderly rights before the Minnesota Congress and was recognized for this as well as her longtime work as a CNA.  She dearly loved the residents at the Good Samaritan, and they adored her right back. 

Sue was a flower enthusiast and found great joy in sharing the beauty of her flower gardens with loved ones.  She also enjoyed baking her delicious cinnamon rolls and buns for family and friends.  Sue was a member of the church choir, and she cherished her time singing.  Most important to Sue was her faith, family, and spending time with her mom.  She especially loved time spent with her kids and grandkids.  Her grandchildren were treasured by her.  

She is survived by her husband, John; three children, Anthony (Melissa) Olson of Duluth, Katie (Craig) Brye of Fargo and Ryan (Lindsay Haugen) Olson of Dilworth; four grandchildren, Isaac and McKenna Brye and Aiden and Bennett Olson; mother, LeVonne Hanson of Fergus Falls;  brother, Lon (Sue) Hanson of Fergus Falls; two sisters, Myrna (Jim) VanWatermulen of Clitherall and Elizabeth (Chad) Nelson of Fergus Falls; sister-in-law, Carol Hanson of Dalton; and by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.   Sue was preceded in death by her father, Arlo Hanson; brother, Mark Hanson; and by her grandparents, Alvin and Martha Hanson and George and Lillie Swenson.

Funeral Service will be 11 AM, Friday, December 30th at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church of rural Battle Lake. 

Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 6 PM, with a Prayer Service at 6 PM, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.  

Interment will be in the church cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family of Sue would welcome donations to Eagle Lake Lutheran Church of rural Battle Lake, and Faith Haven Camp.

Link: Ways to Give — Faith Haven Camp 

Eagle Lake Lutheran: 15456 County HWY 81, Battle Lake, MN 56515, (218) 864-5417