Marion Olson

Marion Florence (Briest) Olson passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2020 at the age of 91 years under the care of Lakeview Hospice and Boutwell’s Landing The Gables in Oak Park Heights, MN.

Marion was born on December 23, 1928 to Ernest and Elizabeth (Schnackenberg) Briest, in their home in Kelso Township, Sibley County, MN. She was baptized in Christ on January 13, 1929 by Pastor Ed Schlauchtenhaufen at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sibley County, and confirmed in her faith at that same parish in 1942. She grew up with two brothers, Ruben Briest and LeRoy Briest, and one sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Briest.

Marion attended the Rural Schools of Sibley County, and graduated as Salutatorian on May 29, 1946 from Gaylord High School. She then attended the Minnesota School of Business to train as a Medical Secretary. During her training, she stayed at the Clara Dora Club in Minneapolis, a housing club for young women, with her life-long friends Ruth (Wold) Olson and Dorothy (Bauer) Kahle. After training, she began work as a medical secretary at the Gaylord Hospital.

Marion was united in marriage to Donald Willis Olson on November 28, 1948 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sibley County. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Kelso Township, Sibley County for 30 years, after which they moved into Gaylord. They later moved to Litchfield, MN after Donald retired from his electrical business. Marion & Donald’s marriage was blessed with four daughters; Kathryn, Susan, Bonnie and Peggy. They shared 48 years of marriage before Donald passed away on January 9, 1997.

Marion was the church organist at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sibley County for many years, as well as a choir piano accompanist and dedicated piano teacher to many. Her love of music, especially hymns, was an important part of her life, and passed on to her family. After Donald’s retirement, the couple enjoyed fishing on Lake Ripley and playing golf. Marion especially enjoyed being part of the Foster Grandparent Program in the Litchfield Schools. She also loved baking and spending the holidays and her time with family and friends. All who met Marion quickly found a friend with a strong faith, kind heart, and a love to talk and laugh.

Marion stayed in Litchfield for a number of years, and then in 2006 moved to the Twin Cities to be closer to family. She resided at The Mayfield in Little Canada for 8 years, and then at Boutwell’s Landing in Oak Park Heights for her last years.

Marion was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Elizabeth Briest; Husband, Donald Olson; Brothers, Ruben Briest, LeRoy Briest; Sister, Betty Griffin; and one Son-In-Law, Iver Odegaard.

Marion is survived by her Daughters, Kathryn Dickinson (Doug), Susan Olson (Jack Preiss), Bonnie Johnston (Doc Bower), and Peggy Olson (John Perfecto). The greatest joy of her life was her grandchildren Jason Odegaard, Justin Odegaard, Julia Novak, Laura Hahn, and Benjamin Johnston, and her great-grandchildren Hunter, Iver, and Arne Odegaard, Abby, Connor and Paige Novak, and Thomas and James Odegaard.

We are finalizing arrangements for Marion's funeral and sadly have to limit the attendees to 10 people. Her service will be recorded so those who wish to view and sing along, will have that opportunity. A private family visitation will take place Monday May 18th at Bradshaw in White Bear Lake, MN.  Our family will gather at Community of Grace Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake, MN on Tuesday May 19th to celebrate her life.  A graveside service will take place out in Litchfield, MN in the afternoon.  Please keep our family in your prayers as we navigate the restrictions in place and do our very best to honor her.

The family requests that cards or notes be mailed to Marion’s daughter Susan Olson’s home address, 1733 Kerry Lane   Woodbury, MN 55125.

They have also requested in lieu of flowers, that any memorials given be designated to Boutwell’s Landing and can be mailed directly to 5600 Norwich Parkway Oak Park Heights, MN 55082, to the attention of Steve Preus.