Ethel Eileen (Thor) Olson was born on September 7, 1912 in Grantsburg, Wisconsin the oldest of seven children born to David and Emily (Nelson) Thor. Ethel grew up on the family farm south of Grantsburg. She was baptized in the Christian faith. Ethel attended grade school at Grettum, and graduated from the Grantsburg High School. She earned her teaching certificate from Grantsburg Normal, and prior to her marriage, she taught school for nine years in Burnett County.
On June 29, 1940, she was united in marriage to Roland Olson at the Little Brown Church. They enjoyed 57 happy years together. For many years they operated a dairy farm and an apiary in Trade Lake. For fifty years she and her husband were involved in the rental and contracting business in Minneapolis where they also made their home. However, they never left the old farmstead where they both loved to be.
Ethel and Roland traveled extensively throughout the United States, including Alaska, and Canada, too. They enjoyed spending part of their winters in Florida and California. Ethel was known for her many fine qualities and talents, but mostly for her constant devotion to her family. Ethel passed away at the Willow Ridge Healthcare in Amery on May 26, 2011 at the age of 98 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland in 1997, parents, daughter-in-law Margaret Olson; brothers Lester, Lloyd (Hazel), sister Mabel Thor, and brother-in-law Morris Lindgren.
Ethel is survived by her children, daughter JoAnn (Barry) Clark, Amery, son David (Lori) Olson, Cumberland, Grandchildren: Kari Clark (Mark Birchard), Edina, Lisa Clark, Minneapolis, Jennifer (Kirk) Hyatt, and David (Jessica) Olson, Cumberland, Christopher Olson, Seattle, and three step grandchildren, great grandchildren Ania Hyatt, Asa Chatto, David Robert Olson, Siri Hyatt and five step great grandchildren, sisters Mildred Lindgren, Alyce Mae Smestad, and Carol (Merlin) Johnson, many nieces and nephews, and other beloved family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Grantsburg with Pastor Jay Ticknor officiating. There will be a visitation at the church for the hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Union Cemetery.