Joan Arlene Olson

Joan "Joanie" Arlene Olson 86, of Osakis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, surrounded by her children and family.

Joan was born August 14, 1939, in Cold Spring, Wisconsin to Earl & Jane (Monahan) Findlay. In 1967, she married Gerald "Jerry " Olson and they made a life together in Osakis, where they raised their three children together and lived for over 50 years.

Joan was an artist who loved to paint and sketch--often drawing her children when they were young. She loved to visit her family in Wisconsin-often riding the amtrak train with her kids. She enjoyed gardening and famously had large flower beds at their home on Lake Osakis. When she wasn’t weeding and planting in her flower beds, she loved a good garage sale or second-hand store. She was always on the hunt for things that her children or grandchildren might like or find amusing--they were always at the front of her mind.

Joan built her life alongside her husband in their businesses and fun adventures together. For several years they owned the cheese house in Osakis and spent many hours working there. After the store was sold, she would ride along with Jerry when he moved trees, as they enjoyed each other’s company. When Jerry started playing poker at the casinos, Joan loved to tag along. Although she herself was not a gambler, she would spend her five dollars at the nickel slots and then find a place to sit with a good book. She and Jerry were content to take long rides in the evenings looking for wildlife and sharing a laugh.

Her children and grandkids gave her so much joy. She loved taking her grandkids swimming or out for ice cream. She never let anyone leave without telling them to "drive safe!" and if on the way to the cities to "watch out for creeps!"

Joan will be remembered for her warm smile and kind heart. She was generous with her time and kind with her words for all who were lucky enough to know her. She also loved to laugh and could make anyone crack up with her side eye or funny face.

Survivors include her 3 children: Julie (Mike) Kulzer, Jane McClernan and Jonathan (Kim) Olson; grandchildren: Sarah (Chris) Jagerson, Rachael (Lucas Job) Kulzer, Josh (Taylor Rohner Swart) Kulzer, Jacob Olson, Lauren Kulzer and Evan McClernan; and sister Doris Findlay. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her sister Betty and two brothers, James and Earl.