Kathleen Olson

Kathleen (Kathy) Marjorie Olson of Mazeppa, passed away on Sunday morning, September 17th, 2023, with her loving family surrounding her.

Kathleen Marjorie Hanson was born on September 26, 1941 to George and Myrna (Partner) Hanson. Kathy graduated from John Marshall High School in June of 1959 and then attended junior college before starting her career at Mayo Clinic in 1961. On June 9, 1962 she married Loren Olson and they made their residence in Mazeppa.

They were blessed with four children, Robert Olson, Christine (Allen) Heitman, Brian (Jolene) Olson, and Molly Ryan. Kathy (also known as Grammy) was beyond proud of her nine grandchildren. Her love and support for Tyler, Brandon, Brianna, Ashley, Kelby, Trent, Trey, Zachary, and Rachel was remarkable. They were the absolute light of her life, and they loved her dearly.

Kathy enjoyed roles with Mayo Clinic as a medical secretary, as a secretary at Mazeppa High School, and ultimately as a long-time professor at Rochester Community and Technical College and Riverland Technical college. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996 from Concordia University in Communications and Organizational Management.

Over the years, she was an active member of her community, helping with the Girl Scouts, with the Ladies Aid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Mazeppa, and as chair of the Zumbrota-Mazeppa school board for 5 years. She enjoyed playing cards with her fellow card friends, playing golf with her daughters and friends, was a faithful member of her bible study group, and most importantly loved supporting her grandkids in anything they did, near or far.

She is survived by Loren Olson, children Robert Olson, Chris (Allen) Heitman, Brian (Jolene) Olson, and Molly Ryan. Nine beautiful grandchildren, Tyler Ryan, Brandon Olson, Brianna Ryan, Ashley Olson, Kelby Heitman, Trent Heitman, Trey Heitman, Zachary Olson, and Rachel Ryan. Her siblings Mary Schmitter, Marlys Jensen, Sally (Buzz) Hanson, and Donald (Jean) Hanson, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Myrna Hanson, her brother Robert (Buzz) Hanson, her brother-in-laws Merlin Severson, Paul Schmitter, Donald Jensen, and nephew Mark Hanson.

Funeral Service will be held at 3PM on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Burial will be Friday, October 6 at 10:30 AM at the Pine Island Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6PM on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also 1 hour prior to the service on Friday.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Olson family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.