Phyllis Elaine (Ostlund) Olson

Phyllis Elaine Olson, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at Shorewood Senior Campus, Rochester, Minnesota.

She was born on June 29, 1929, in Minneapolis, to George and Emma (Ostlund) Ostlund, the oldest of three children. (That is not a typo, her mom and dad had the same last name, before they were married).

Phyllis knew the meaning of hard work.  After high school she studied at Macalester College in St Paul and earned a Bachelor's Degree in teaching. She furthered her education by completing the Master's Program for Education, at the University of Minnesota. She enjoyed teaching, and for most of her 35 years as a teacher, she taught kindergarten, sometimes first grade.

In 1950, Phyllis married her high school sweetheart, Eugene Olson. They made their home in Howard Lake and became parents of two sons, Gerald and Gene. Phyllis was the kindergarten teacher for both boys. In 1970 the family moved to Rochester, where Phyllis continued teaching at various schools.

The family cabin on Lake Ida holds some of her favorite memories. Phyllis enjoyed the times spent there with her family and friends. She also enjoyed reading (romance novels), doing ceramics and baking. She was an amazing cook and baker, we will all miss her delicious gingerbread cookies.

Phyllis is preceded in death by; her husband, Eugene (2012), her parents; George and Emma; her brother Gordon and her sister, Edna.

Left to cherish her memory include her sons: Gerald, "Gerry", (Sherry) of Rochester and Gene (Chris) Olson of Wisconsin, grandchildren; Jessica, Samantha, Cassandra and Devin; great grandchildren; Joseph, Julia, Joshua, Evelyn, Adalaide, Oliver and Hayes.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 19, at 10:30 A.M. at Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester. Wearing a mask is required. Live stream will be available at : Zumbrolutheran.org

An evening visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 18, from 4-7 P.M. at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, 1624  37th Street N.W., Rochester.

The family wishes to thank the incredible team at Shoreview for taking such good care of Phyllis, especially Amberly and Laurie. Also, thank you to Season's Hospice, we appreciate everything you did for our mom.