Gudrun S. Olson

In Celebration of the Life of Gudrun Olson (Grandma Goody)
Gudrun S. (Oanes) Olson , 94, of Ada, MN, died Sunday, January 16, 2011, at Bridges Care Community in Ada, where she had been a resident since June of 2007.

Gudrun Serena Oanes was born on March 1, 1916, near Halstad, MN, the daughter of Peder and Gunhild (Sorenson) Oanes. She was baptized into the faith on July 16, 1916, at Halstad Lutheran Church and confirmed on November 23, 1930 at East Marsh River Lutheran Church near Halstad, MN. She attended rural Halstad schools, first the Hellerud School District #80, then Gilbertson School District #103, and finally District #45. She often recalled that she "Walked 3 miles to and from country school." To be able to attend high school she stayed with her Aunt and Uncle, Chris and Mary Oanes near Halstad. Gudrun graduated from Halstad High School in May 1935.

Gudrun worked as a nurse's aide at the first hospital in Ada, the Norman County Hospital. She was encouraged by the doctors to take her state board to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). After passing her boards to become an LPN, she worked at St John's Hospital in St. Paul until 1950. On November 25, 1950, she was united in marriage to Walter Merrill Olson at East Marsh River Lutheran Church. The couple lived and farmed in Anthony Township near Halstad, until 1977. Gudrun was active in the East Marsh River Church with Ladies Aid, Sunday School, quilting, and many other church activities. She and Walter moved to Ada in 1977 and she especially enjoyed living close to her grandchildren, her sister Clara, and having coffee with the ladies. She joined Grace Lutheran Church in 1990.
Her daughter Mavis passed away from a tragic car accident on October 17, 1981, and Walter passed away on October 1, 1989. She absolutely loved children and animals and will be forever remembered as "Grandma Goody" to many.

Gudrun is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Colleen and Peter Kappes of Ada, MN, two grandchildren, Kayla Kappes of Bemidji, MN, and Krista Kappes of Ada, MN, one sister, Clara (Oanes) Wilkens of Ada, MN, one sister-in-law Eleanor Snustad of Moorhead, MN, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers Sanford Oanes, Arthur Oanes, and Oscar Oanes.

Memorials are preferred to be given to the Bridges Care Community Foundation and the East Marsh River Lutheran Cemetery Fund.

Funeral Service: 10:30AM Friday, January 21, 2011, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada.

Visitation: 5-8PM Thursday with a 7:30PM prayer service at Fredrikson Funeral Home, Ada.

Burial: East Marsh River Lutheran Cemetery, rural Halstad, MN.

Arrangements with Fredrikson Funeral Home
Ada, Minnesota (218-784-4600)