Frances Olson

Frances Olson, age 94, of St. James, died at Immanuel-St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato on Sunday, April 11, 2010. Fran Olson was born on August 24, 1915 to Martin and Marjorie (Miller) Senf in St. James. She graduated from St. James High School and Mankato Teacher's College. In 1935, Fran was united in marriage to Ralph M. Olson of St. James. They moved to St. Paul and raised their family, while very active in church and school communities. When her children were grown, Fran resumed her teaching career in the area of special education. Following the death of her husband in 1978, she moved back to the farm on which she was raised just outside St. James. While managing her farm business and raising sheep, Fran enjoyed gardening, cooking, supporting her grandchildren's activities, and spending time with friends and family. She was an active member in First Lutheran Church in St. James, including Christian Women's Club. Fran continued to live in her home and manage her farm business until just before her death. Survivors include her daughters, Mary Ellen (Honkola) of Baldwin, WI, Marjorie (Kirk) of St. Paul, MN; daughter-in-law, Paulette Olson of St. James, MN; sister-in-law, Elfrieda Senf of St. James, MN; brother-in-law, Arnie Karshnik of Mt. Lake, MN; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. Fran was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; son, Noel; brother, Victor; sisters, Mabel Westman Karshnik and Lynda Schlomann; and infant grandson Nathan Olson.