Allette "Lottie" Olson

Allette “Lottie” Olson, age 93, of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in Mahnomen. Allette Alvina Bjerken, the daughter of Alfred and Annie (Reierson) Bjerken, was born on March 14, 1921 near Mahnomen. She was raised in Mahnomen attended Mahnomen High School. Following her high school graduation, Lottie worked for a time with the Boy Scouts Organization in Fargo. She then studied at Fargo Business College and worked several years as a secretary. Lottie was employed at the “Knot” company in Minneapolis, MN for a time and during WWII she worked in the shipyards at Bremerton, WA. On April 19, 1949 Lottie was united in marriage to Elmer Olson and together they operated the Olson Family Farm. While helping on the farm and raising her children, Lottie also had a career as a bookkeeper for the Mahnomen Hospital from 1959 until her retirement in 1988. After Elmer’s death in 1992, Lottie remained on the farm until moving into the Welle apartments, in Mahnomen, in 1996. She has made her home at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home since 2009. Lottie was a giving and selfless person. She was ahead of her time as a career woman but was also a true homemaker. She had a huge vegetable garden, canning and freezing her produce each year. Lottie was also known for her homemade breads, lefse, and wonderful meals. She never wasted and gave readily to others. Her family and her faith were cornerstones of her life. Lottie was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Over the years, she loyally served as a Sunday school and religious release time teacher, secretary of the Women group, and was involved in various circles and committees. While her children were growing, Lottie was a Club Scout leader and a 4-H leader. Lottie was active with the Headwaters Regional Development Commission, Council on Aging, and Secretary of the Rainbow Farmers Union. She was also a volunteer at the Mahnomen Historical Society for several years. Lottie enjoyed reading, doing word searches, and playing scrabble. She was ever ready for great conversation and a good game of cards with family and friends. Lottie is survived by two daughters, Lynnette (Kenneth) Klos of Cook, MN and Ann Genzler of Seattle, WA; two sons, John (Marie) of Mahnomen and David (Diana) of Lindstrom, MN; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by parents, Alfred and Anna; her husband, Elmer; one sister, Verna Boen; and a granddaughter, Abagayle. A funeral service was held on Saturday, August 16th, 2014, at 12 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. A visitation was held on Friday, August 15th, from 5-7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., all at First Lutheran Church. Interment was at First Lutheran Cemetery, Mahnomen.

Allette "Lottie" Olson

March 14, 1921 - August 13, 2014