Bernadette Olson

Rushford, Bernadette A. (Harcey) Olson, 96, of Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford and formerly of Lewiston and rural Utica died Sunday August 22, 2004 at the Good Shepherd Home. Bernadette was born April 18, 1908 and was adopted by Edwin and Jessie (Schakel) Harcey of Minneapolis. As a child her mother died, she later moved to Utica to live with her Uncle and Aunt Frank and Lela Harcey. She graduated from St. Charles High School in 1925 and from the Teacher Training Program at the Minneapolis Vocational School in 1926. Bernadette taught in several Winona County rural schools, including; Braithwait School, Worth School, Grover School and later Saratoga Town Hall School. She and Reuben Olson were married December 1, 1928 in Lanesboro and had been married for 56 years. They farmed in the Clyde area of rural Utica for many years. Reuben died May 6, 1985. She later moved to Lewiston, and in 2003 she entered the Good Shepherd Home at Rushford. Bernadette was a member of North Prairie Lutheran Church and its W.E.L.C.A. group. She also belonged to Clyde Royal Neighbors and Homemakers. She was known for being a collector. Survivors include two sons, Ted (Wanda) Olson of Lewiston and David Olson of Bell Buckle, TN, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband Reuben she was preceded in death by a great-grandson. Funeral Services will be 1:30 PM Thursday at North Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Lanesboro with the Rev. Ronald Warnes officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Wednesday at Hoff Funeral Home's ? St. Charles Chapel. They may also call one hour before services on Thursday at the church.