Cover photo for Arlys Wanda Olson's Obituary
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1927 Arlys 2018

Arlys Wanda Olson

January 30, 1927 — February 25, 2018

Arlys Wanda Olson passed into God’s hands on Sunday, February 25, 2018 with her children by her side. She was 91 years of age.

Arlys was born on January 30, 1927 to Elmer and Myrtle (Nordquist) Oswald at her grandparent’s farm near Fertile, Minnesota. The family moved to St. Paul in the early 1930’s. Arlys attended Galtier Elementary and graduated in 1944 from Woodrow Wilson High School. She was baptized at Union Lake Church and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the Midway area of St. Paul.

On June 28, 1947, Arlys and John Olson were united in marriage at Bethlehem Lutheran. They were blessed with three children: Mark, Christine and Lisa. After residing for several years in White Bear Lake, the family moved to a hobby farm near Rush City.

Arlys made many close friendships in Rush City and belonged to a variety of social clubs including the Old Brickyard Club, several card clubs, a bowling team, coffee groups and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was active at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City and regularly made lefse for the residents of Golden Living Care Center.

Her uplifting nature was contagious and she brought happiness and cheer to all who knew her. She made life easy and fun. Arlys was the one who could provide whatever was needed – a ride, a cake or a good laugh. She loved the holidays, birthdays and Sundays. Her granddaughters remember that she taught them to dance the Lindy and play a mean game of Rummy. She had an ability to make and keep life-long friendships, and those friendships enhanced the lives of her family.

Arlys is survived by son Dr. Mark (Kathy) Olson of North Branch; daughter Christine (Jack) Lavigne of Little Canada; son-in-law Dick (Deb) Muller of Arkansas; grandchildren Erica (Bill) Olson Kenealy of Minneapolis, Kristin (Tony) Smith of Edina, Dane (Angie) Olson of Rush City; and great-grandchildren Mike and Ben Wahlberg, Matt Olson, Evie and Max Smith; many cherished nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Myrtle Oswald; husband John Olson; daughter Lisa Muller; and brother Dwaine Oswald; several sisters-and brothers-in-law.

Pastor Glen Bickford will officiate at funeral services for Arlys: 3:00 PM; Thursday, March 1, 2018 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. A gathering of family and friends is planned for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place at First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City.

The family is grateful to the staff of Ecumen for their loving attention and to St. Croix Hospice for exceptional kindness.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. www.FuneralAndCremationService.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arlys Wanda Olson, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, March 1, 2018

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

1000 S Jay Ave, Rush City, MN 55069

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Funeral Service

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Starts at 3:00 pm (Central time)

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

1000 S Jay Ave, Rush City, MN 55069

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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