Rhoda Agnes Olson

Rhoda Agnes Olson, age 98, of Saint James, died on March 9, 2024, at Birchwood Cottages in North Mankato, surrounded with love.

Funeral service will be held at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Albion Lutheran Cemetery in rural Saint James. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Rhoda Agnes Olson was born in Chaska, MN on January 25, 1926, to Nels and Agnes (Flogstad) Undestad.  When Rhoda was 2, she moved with her family to St. James.  Rhoda was confirmed in the Christian faith at First Lutheran Church, and graduated from high school in 1944.

While at the roller rink with her friends, Rhoda met the love of her life, Ardie.  Shortly after they met, Ardie entered the Navy and Rhoda moved to the cities where she lived in a boarding house and worked for a year. Although miles apart, Rhoda and Ardie wrote letters back and forth keeping their connection strong.  Rhoda returned to St. James when she had the opportunity to be employed by what is now known as the Farm Service Agency.

When Ardie returned from WWII, they resumed their courtship and were united in marriage on September 9, 1949, at First Lutheran Church in St. James.  Together they built their home where they remained for the next 68 years.   Rhoda and Ardie enjoyed living on the farm together and their extra special bond of love and devotion was a joy to be around.  On November 18, 1951, the couple was blessed with a daughter, Jean.  During these years on the farm, they created a lifetime of memories raising their daughter and these memories continued for their grandchildren Matt and Sara as they were lucky enough to have grown up close by.

Rhoda loved life on the farm with Ardie and took pride in their neat and tidy farm site. She also loved baking, which was evident by the sweet baked goods that always accompanied coffee and laughter around the table with friends and family.  Rhoda’s fun and competitive spirit came through when playing cards, and games of any sort.  She was an avid reader, skilled seamstress and enjoyed being active and busy both indoors and out.

Rhoda and Ardie also enjoyed travelling in their pickup camper which they were able to do until they were well into their 80’s.  They enjoyed time in Arizona, Florida, and Northern MN fishing lakes where Rhoda holds the family record for the biggest fish ever caught.

Most of all, Rhoda loved spending time alongside Ardie with family and friends, attending countless bike races, horse shows, concerts, and any other events their grandchildren were involved in.  They were blessed with getting to know and spending quality time with their great grandchildren as well. She even had the honor of meeting her great great-granddaughter.

Rhoda had a wonderful and contagious laugh with a ready smile.  She had a quiet but strong faith, just the right amount of spunk and determination along with the desire to do anything she could to help others.  And in her last year on earth Rhoda touched many lives and developed relationships without saying a word.  She will be missed by many and her memory will remain cherished in our hearts forever.

Rhoda is survived by her daughter, Jeanie (Bob) Munsterman; grandchildren, Sara (Chanel) Shaffer and Matt (Dayna) Shaffer; great-grandchildren, David Stahl, Cecilia Tharp, Brady Westberg and Nevaeh Shaffer; great great-granddaughter, Ella Stahl; sisters, Marion Harms and Phyllis Jurgens; and sister in law, LaVonne Undestad along with many special nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ardie; sister, Leona Loeschen; brothers, Dick Undestad and Norman Undestad; sisters in law, Barb Undestad, Myrtle Olson, and Lucille Olson; and brothers in law, Verlin Harms, Bud Loeschen, Wally Jurgens, Milford Olson, and Harlen Olson.

The family wants to express their gratitude to the caring and loving staff at the St. James Hospital, Brandts Ridge, Birchwood Cottages, and Brighton Hospice.  They also want to express gratitude for the love and companionship of Darla Makela, Oliviah Dmytrasz, Emmah Dmytrasz, Norah Dmytrasz, Debbie Schmillen and Chris Beckius.  These special ladies enriched Rhoda’s life and helped fill the deep void of missing Ardie.