Gladys Olson

Gladys Geneva Knudson was born to Gilbert Gina (Tande) Knudson on November 16, 1912. She was raised on the Knudson family farm with her older brother sister. She attended country school and later Comfrey High School. On December 22, 1931, she married Helmer Olson and resided at the Olson family farm. Gladys and Helmer raised two sons early in their marriage and, years later, two daughters. Gladys loved the role of a busy farm wife, helping with chores, making countless meals, working in her garden and canning freezing vegetables. Gladys Helmer enjoyed traveling together. Their trip to Alaska was a favorite. After Helmer passed away, Gladys continued to travel, taking trips to Norway, Sweden, the New England states Nova Scotia. Helmer passed away in 1983, but Gladys continued to live a full and active life on the farm. She enjoyed her quilting sewing days at church and other church activities. Gladys' entire family gathered at the farm each Christmas, Mother's Day and fall. It was an event not to miss. She rejoiced at the marriages of her grandchildren, each graduation and especially the birth of each great-grandchild. She was a wonderful homemaker, passing on family traditions to her children grandchildren. It was a treat to spend the day with her making lefsa or holiday cookies. After 75 years on the farm, Gladys moved to the retirement home in St. Peter where she quickly became a favorite with many of her caregivers. They called her Glady and enjoyed her sweet personality, her subtle never-ending sense of humor and her graciousness. To the end, her eyes lit up at the sight of a familiar face and she thanked so heartily for each visit. Gladys was a witness to her faith throughout her life in her kind words and compassion, her gentle manner and her love of family friends. Gladys Olson is survived by her children: Howard LoVanelle Olson of Nevis, Orval Joyce Olson of St. Peter, Judy Randy Wells of New Brighton, Joyce Mark Ahlstrom of New Brighton, grandchildren Valerie Bill Aufderheide, Lynae Brad Bushard, Lisa Steve Cochran, Carla Bill Swanson, Courtney Wells, Jenna Court Carlson, Dan Wells, Heather Brett Kosec, Adam Ahlstrom, Josh Jackie Ahlstrom, great-grandchildren Andrew Aufderheide, Jacob Aufderheide, Brennan Bushard, Chelsea Bushard, Tyler Cochran, Emily Cochran, Olivia Swanson and Eric Swanson. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Helmer, sister Ethel Lee and brother Arnold Knudson. Memorials may be directed to Albion Lutheran Church or the charity of ones choice.