Suzann Olson

Suzann Marie Olson, 74, of Saint James, passed away January 22, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Saint James, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 12:00pm at Augustana Lutheran Church in Saint James with visitation from 10:00am until the time of the service at the church. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James.

Livestreaming will be available at https://www.facebook.com/share/1F7Y7ney1t/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Suzann was born on February 27, 1951, to Orland and Vanett (Pries) Olson in Rochester, Minnesota. Growing up in Zumbrota, Minnesota, Suzann was baptized and confirmed at United Lutheran Church. After graduating from Zumbrota High School in 1969, she attended Augsburg College where she was the first female student body president and studied Political Science, American Studies, and History. After graduation in 1973, she attended Valparaiso University Law School where she earned a Juris Doctor of Law Degree while also serving as a member of the University’s Law Review.

After graduation, Suzann moved to Saint James, Minnesota, where she became a founding partner of Sunde, Olson, Kircher, and Zender, with offices in Saint James and Madelia. While living in Saint James, she met Richard Swanson and the two were married in 1978. Residing on Richard’s family farm they raised two sons, Joshua and Brady Swanson. Through the years, Suzann was very active in the community and served many years on the Watonwan Memorial Hospital Board as well as the fundraising foundation which led to the construction of the new hospital. Additionally, she was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and served on the church board for many years.

Suzann was a strong, intelligent, and determined person who brought dedication and leadership to all that she became involved in. At the same time, she was a very loving, caring, and compassionate person who was always doing what she could to help others. Suzann had a knack for bringing a smile to people’s faces, joking and bringing about laughter from those around her. Often found in her kitchen, Suzann was a great cook who never let a guest leave hungry. She loved people and sharing stories with them, but most dear to her were her sons. They were never far from her heart, and she spent hours reliving their outdoor adventures. An endearing mother, and grandmother, her grandchildren became the light of her life in her later years. Living nearby, she cherished the time she got to spend with her grandchildren, something that brought great joy to her life. She was proud of all they did and enjoyed following each of their sporting events.

Suzann is survived by her two sons, Joshua (Katie) Swanson of Saint James, and Brady (Melissa) Swanson of Pillager, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jacey, Journey, Hadley, and Nash Swanson. She is also survived by her brother, Mark (Hope) Olson of Prescott, Wisconsin, and other family and close friends.

Suzann was preceded in death by her husband, Richard in 2013; as well as parents, Orland and Vanett; and other close aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers or other memorials the family asks that you donate to Augustana Lutheran Church in memory of Suzann.