Pearl Jeanette Smith, daughter of Frank and Sophie (Rydberg) Smith, was born July 14, 1915 in Morris, Minnesota, where she grew up and attended school. On January 22, 1937, she was united in marriage to Willie Olson in Morris. The couple made their home in the Stevens County area, where Pearl was a busy homemaker with six children. In 1954, they moved to International Falls, MN, where Pearl worked in the restaurant business and owned and operated Pearls Pizza House for several years. In 1960, she began working in the Social Services Field for Koochiching County Family Services, where she had a position as County Homemaker until her retirement in 1980. Following her retirement, she traveled to visit her children in Florida, California, Alaska, Wisconsin and Michigan. In 1986, Willie and Pearl moved to the Alexandria area, where Willie died on May 12, 1986. Pearl continued to live in Alexandria until 1995, when she moved back to Morris and where she has made her home until the time of her death.
Pearl was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She loved to fish, bake, dance and play cards. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends.
Pearl died on Thursday, August 25, 2005 at the West Wind Village in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 90 years.
She is survived by her daughters: Geraldine (John) Jensen of Sebastopol, CA, Paulette (Wayne) Penick of DeForest, WI and Sandra (Thomas) Aitken of Mount Pleasant, MI; sons: Gary (Ercelia) Olson of Wasilla, AK, DuWayne (Jacqueline) Olson of International Falls and Dennis Olson of Minneapolis; 24 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Gladys Helberg and Darlene Wente both of Morris and sister-in-law: Georgia Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her parents; one sister: Francis Helberg and six brothers: Faye, Lester, Raymond, Floyd, Laurel and Paulus Smith.
Pallbearers for the service are Michael Jensen, Bret Grawey, Ron Grawey, Jr, Barry Olson, Cory Olson, Wesley Olson and Willie Olson. Rita Lambert will serve as organist for the service with Deb Alberts serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
The family prefers memorials to Faith Lutheran Church in Morris.