Karen Olson, 75

Karen G. Olson, 75, died February 16, 2012 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria.

Karen was born August 2, 1936 in Gowry, Iowa, the daughter of Ruth and Daniel (Anderson) Wilson and then the family moved to southern Minnesota, outside of Gibbon, where they farmed. She graduated from Gibbon High School and then moved to Minneapolis where she worked as a secretary part-time and as a waitress at a drive-in restaurant, where she met Ruebin Olson. The couple was married on June 22, 1957 in Minneapolis. They made their residence in Southern California and in 1969 they moved to Alexandria, where Karen worked for Douglas County Hospital for 20 years and also sold Avon for 34 years.

She is survived by her husband, Ruebin Olson; sons, Kevin (Kathy) Olson of Alexandria and Rob (Laura) Olson of Sioux Falls, SD; two grandchildren, Gabriel Olson and Elena Olson; and sister, Denise Wilson Beilke of California.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; son, Kent Olson; brothers, Gary and Keith Wilson; and sister, Kay Weiss.

A funeral service was held Monday, February 20 at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Marilee Bergerson officiating. Music was provided by Randy Morken. Pallbearers were Kevin Olson, Rob Olson, Al Nelson, Dennis Olson, Brian Weiss and Brent Weiss. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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