Edna Olsen

Edna Josendal Olsen, 83, died peacefully Thursday, September 9, 2010, in Fergus Falls.  She was born November 2, 1926, in Northwood, North Dakota, the daughter of John and Christie (Breivold) Josendal. She graduated from Northwood High School, and then attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, before entering Fairview Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN, graduating in 1948. On October 8, 1950, she married C. Virgil Olsen in Northwood. Edna was employed at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls from 1948 – 1988.   Following her retirement from the hospital, she worked at So-Fro Fabrics and Ann’s Hallmark in Fergus Falls. Virgil died on April 20, 1984. She had resided at the Mill Street Residence since 2004, where she and her family greatly appreciated the excellent care she received. Edna was a member of the Minnesota Nurses Association, holding the offices of Secretary, Vice-president, and President. She volunteered for 30 years for the Red Cross bloodmobile. She was also a member of First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. She enjoyed sewing for her grandchildren, gardening, and needlepoint. Edna had a love and devotion for nursing, and had remarked on several occasions that she would do it all over again. She spoke fondly of her time at Lake Region Hospital. Preceding her in death were her parents, her sister, Ruth Hudson, and her husband. Survivors include her three daughters: Rebecca (Stephen) Taylor-Jones of Littleton, CO, Bonnie (David) Johnson of Fargo, ND, and Kathryn (Steve Kolar) Kroeten of Little Canada, MN; her son, Curtis (Susan) Olsen of Oak Grove, MN; and four grandchildren: Allison Kroeten, Abby and Andrew Olsen, and Kyle Johnson. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 1 p.m. Saturday, September 11, 2010, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:  Reverends Roger Hanson and Saul Stensvaag Burial: First Lutheran North Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls Arrangements:  Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls. Memorials are preferred to the Lake Region Healthcare Cancer Care and Research Center.