Deanna M. Olson

Deanna "Dee" Marie Olson, age 85, from Pelican Rapids, MN passed away peacefully, at Pelican Valley Senior Living Center in Pelican Rapids, MN surrounded by her loved ones on Mother's Day.
Deanna was born on August 29, 1939, in Rothsay, Minnesota to Lloyd and Ruth (Scott) Hanson. She spent her early years on Prairie Lake, where her parents operated a resort. She attended country school in the area, and her family eventually moved to Columbia Heights, Minnesota, where Deanna enjoyed being a majorette and graduated from high school. 
She later moved to Fargo, ND, working at the Fargo Forum, where she met and married the love of her life, Karl Conrad "Connie" Olson, on April 30, 1960, at Faith Lutheran Church in West Fargo. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to family.
Throughout her life, Deanna worked various part-time jobs at the Fargo Forum, Riverside Dress Shop, and Karin's Corner, along with numerous landscaping and wallpapering projects. While she took pride in everything she did, her greatest joy came from raising her family and being a mom. She poured her heart and soul into her loved ones always there when needed. She taught us what it meant to be a good parent, a loyal friend, a loving grandparent, and how to love deeply. She showed us what a strong and devoted partnership looked like. The support she gave us throughout our lives was unmatched—more meaningful than any title or job could ever be. She didn't just raise a family; she built a foundation of love, strength, and compassion that will carry on for generations.
Deanna had a passion for life's simple pleasures. She cherished summers at the lake with friends and family, creating unforgettable memories-floating in a tube, waterskiing, or playing cards with Bonnie. In the winter, she loved teaching us how to ski, taking art classes and painting and in her later years, she passed down her knowledge of gardening and shopping (one of her favorites). Twenty years ago, she and Connie moved from the farm to her dream home on Tamarack Lake, where she found peace in gardening, soaking up the sun, and spending time with new and old friends. 
Deanna had a gift for friendship. She was endlessly social, always open-hearted, and created meaningful connections everywhere she went, with people from all walks of life. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was the heart of every family gathering, especially birthdays, which she celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and joy. Her generosity and love for others were evident in every interaction and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Deanna is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ruth Hanson; her brother, Bud Hanson; her husband, Connie Olson; and her great-grandchildren, Chelsea and William.
She is survived by her sons, Barry of Orlando, FL, and Thomas (Lori) of Pelican Rapids; her daughter, Shari of Hoople, ND; her grandchildren, Dillon, Kirstin, Emily, Kristopher, Lexy, Jacob, and Grant (Ali); her great- grandchildren, Jaxon, Liam, Alex, and Palmer; and many cherished family members and friends.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Pelican Valley Senior Living Center and Memory Care for their love and care over the past three years. Special thanks to Knute Nelson Hospice- especially Pam and Michele for their compassion and support during Deanna's final years and days. Your kindness meant the world to Deanna and to all of us.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:00- 11:00 am with memorial service at 11:00 am at Larson Funeral and Cremation Service in Pelican Rapids, MN.