Elaine (Smith) Olson

Elaine Olson, 97, of Whalan, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Gundersen Harmony Care Center, in Harmony, MN.

Helen Elaine Smith was born March 12, 1926, in Newton, GA, to Jessie and Tudie (Brunson) Smith.  She married Millerd Olson on April 4, 1947 in Phoenix City, Al.

Elaine enjoyed gardening and bowling in her earlier years and bowled on 2 different bowling leagues, she also loved animals especially her dog Rudy, and she even had a pet Robin. She especially loved family and during her later years she eagerly awaited family reunions.  Elaine was a member of the Whalan Lutheran Church, and served on a couple different committees over time.

Elaine is survived by her son, Leslie; 4 grandchildren, Lee (Kelly) Olson, Michelle (Shawn) Kohner, Angie (Travis) Stienfeldt, Jessica Olson; 9 great-grandchildren, Griffin and Reese Olson, Brandin Habeck, Madeline, Elanna, and Cale Kohner, Ashley Puig, Miranda Tidwell, Cameron Stienfeldt; brother, James Melton; sister, Martha Gayles.   She is preceded in death by her husband Millerd; son Jerry; 5 siblings.

Funeral service for Elaine will be 10 a.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Whalan Lutheran Church in Whalan MN.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church, and burial will be in the church cemetery.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the Olson family with arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com