Ellen H. Olson

HOUSTON, MN - Ellen H. Olson, 84, of Houston, MN died on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at her home in Houston as a result of Ovarian cancer with her children at her bedside.
Ellen was born on December 16, 1931, in Spring Grove, MN to Palmer and Margit (Landsverk) Mindrum. She grew up in the Houston area and graduated from Houston High School. On September 30, 1950, she was united in marriage with Maelyn Olson at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Houston. She and Maelyn farmed for many years in Looney Valley, north of Houston. Ellen came from a family of talented artists and herself was an accomplished artist leaving behind a lifetime of work. Her carvings, paintings, hand woven rugs, hand made knitted Norwegian sweaters, quilts, hand made dolls and many other works will continue to make our world a more beautiful place for years to come. Ellen was an active parent supporting her children in music, sports, and as a 4H leader; was a member of Sons of Norway, Coulee Region Woodcarvers Assn. and was a longtime member of the Looney Valley Lutheran Church.
Ellen is survived by her five children: Debra (James) Shimon of Hermosa, SD, Matt (Kari Henderson) Olson of La Crescent, MN, Peter (Mitze) Olson of Sartell, MN, Jacob (Kathy) Olson of Hokah, MN, and Mary (Malcolm) Bellafronto of Portland, OR; eleven grandchildren: Lori (David), Jared (Amy), Tiphanie, Brad, Andrew (Autumn), Kristine (Greg), Glen, Lyn (Delaney), Sid, Brady, and Emma; ten great-grandchildren; and two siblings: her twin, Ellert (Jean) Mindrum of Caledonia and Frieda (Rev. Ron) Nowland of La Crosse, WI. and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Maelyn; daughter, Rebecca Louise; and her brothers: Paul, Alf, and Arnie Mindrum.
There will be a memorial service for Ellen at11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 10, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Rev. Jan King officiating. Burial will follow in the Silver Creek Cemetery in rural Houston. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Houston and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.
Leave a memory of Ellen and sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com