Shirlee Olson

Shirlee J. Knutson Bergquist Olson

Shirlee Jean Olson, 82, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, April 15, 2013, at Pioneer Suites in Fergus Falls.

She was born December 30, 1930, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Louis and Mabel (Boe) Knutson. She grew up in Fergus Falls where she attended school.

She married Albert W. Bergquist on August 12, 1950, at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Abby died on October 14, 1980.

On June 30, 1984 she married Clarence W. Olson at the Church of the Nazarene in Fergus Falls. Clarence died on February 19, 2009.

Over the years Shirlee was employed at the Fergus Falls State Hospital, Lake Region Hospital, and then Lakes Homes for the developmentally disabled until her retirement in 1998.

She was a member of the Christian Women’s Club, serving as chairman in 1972, and volunteered at the Fergus Falls Food Shelf. She was an active member of Calvary Free Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, Wednesday School, participated in the Lydia Circle, and served as a deaconess and on several committees.

Shirlee enjoyed reading, going to the lakes, having coffee with friends, gardening and canning, and especially spending time with her family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husbands; all of her siblings: Marion Maurin, Sidney Knutson, Oscar Knutson, Lucille Pikop, Warren Knutson, Richard Knutson, Robert Knutson, Bev Olson, and Butch Knutson; a son-in-law, Keith Gilmore; a niece, Marilyn Bannerman; nephews: Howie Weinbar, Mark Weinbar, and Tim Knutson; stepchildren, Ruby Heibel and Glenn Olson; and a step-sister-in-law, Stella Olson.

Survivors include her children: Cindi (Dale) Andel, Moorhead MN, Mike (Patty) Bergquist, Foxhome MN, Beth (Lowell) Hought, Olathe KS, and Paul (Karen) Bergquist, Ames IA; stepchildren: Richard (Sharon) Olson, Roseville, CA, Donna Amundson and David (Gale) Olson all of Minneapolis, Carol (Jerry Weidner) Rostad, Brooklyn Park, and Roger and Margene Olson of Perham; grandchildren: Ryan Andel, Kari (Tim) Marquardt, Heidi Bergquist, Christopher (Kristin) Gilmore, Brittany (Nathan) Summerville, Katie (Derrick) Wolter, Tyler (Katrina) Andel, Nathan (Kelsi) Gilmore, Holly (Travis) Rogahn, Alyssa Gilmore, Karly Bergquist, David Bergquist, Kory Gilmore, and Abby Bergquist; step-grandchildren: Matthew (Michelle) Hought, Libby Hought, Jeff Heibel, Jason (Cari) Heibel, Michael Amundson, Michelle (Brandon) Buckingham, Ricky Olson, Blair Olson, Lance (Heather) Rostad, David (April) Olson, Kristen Olson, Kari Honer, and Joel (Rhonda) Olson; great-grandchildren: Hunter, Hadley and Hudson Marquardt, Addison and Riley Andel, Brock and Brinley Summerville, Maggie Gilmore, Dawson Wolter, and Michael Rogahn; 16 step-great-grandchildren: Ryan and Jakob, Jace and Carson, Zachary, Lily, Lincoln and Lucy, Katie, Lars and Liv, Brandon and Jack, Elijah and Isaac and Leah; sisters-in-law: Corrine Knutson, LaVon Knutson and Linda Knutson, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a 7 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Jim Johnson
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.