Colleen Olsen

Colleen Carrie Olsen passed away on October 3, 2008 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, MN having lived to reach the age of 58.

Colleen was born December 23, 1949 in Superior, WI. The first of three children of Louella (Lego) and Richard I. Anderson. Colleen attended school at Grand Marais High School, receiving her diploma as a member of the graduating class of 1967. Continuing her education, Colleen graduated from Bemidji State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.

Colleen was united in Marriage on June 19 ^th , 1971 to Larry G. Olsen.

In 1971, Colleen moved to Starbuck and accepted a Physical Education position at Starbuck High School where she remained until 1976. Colleen was most recently employed at Minnewaska Area High School where she served as a Teacher’s Assistant at the 5 ^th and 6 ^th Grade level.

Those that were blessed to have Colleen as part of their lives know that she had countless hobbies and loves in her life. Colleen had a special love for the outdoors, whether it be a walk, a hike in the woods, or climbing a mountain, Colleen was in her element in settings like these. She also enjoyed other outdoor activities like golfing, a pontoon ride around the lake, or a car ride out in the country. Colleen always looked forward to a retreat to the cabin in the woods of Grand Portage to do all of the things she loved to do as a child. She loved to share her Native American Heritage with all that would visit up there. Colleen also loved to travel, she looked forward to her annual trip to Mexico with the “wild girls” of the Class of “67”. But for anyone that crossed paths with her, it did not take long to realize the amazing love that she had for her four Grandsons. They were the love of her life. Rarely, did she have a conversation with anyone and not brag about the four wonderful young boys in her life. She had a special bond with them that will never be forgotten. Another love in Colleens life, were all of her friends and family. She held all of them deeply in her heart. Her gleaming smile, kind heart, limitless energy, and the time she had for anyone made her loved by many.

If Colleen were here to speak to us she would remind each of us to be patient with each other, say something kind to one another everyday, laugh everyday, and be kind to all of God’s children.

Those who knew Colleen knew that she was not afraid of death and strongly believed in The Other Side. She looked forward to seeing her mother, Louella that went before her.

Colleen is survived by her three daughters Marcy (Joe) Alexander of Starbuck, Carrie (Josh) Majerus of Glenwood, Laree (Ryan) Robards of Glenwood, her four best buddies, her grandsons, Darion and Dylan Alexander of Starbuck and Jack and Aron Majerus of Glenwood, her father Richard I Anderson of Grand Marais, her brother  Rick Anderson of Grand Portage, her Sister Collette Pederson of Grand Marais,  and her four children, Colleen’s beloved nephews Jesse (Michelle) Whipkey of Marquette, MI, Barry Pederson, Joey Pederson, and Cory Pederson, all of Grand Marais, MN, and her Special Friend, Maclaren (Mac) Pennie, of Villard.