Valerie Jeanne (Aske) Olson

Valerie Jeanne Olson, 69, a longtime member of the Lanesboro community passed away November 11, 2014 at her home in Whalan.

Valerie was born August 14, 1945 in Lanesboro to Richard and Mary (Lobland) Aske.  She graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1963.  On April 3, 1965 she married Dale Olson at the Whalan Lutheran Church.  She was a lifetime member of Whalan Lutheran Church and an active WELCA member.  Val was very active in the community.  She co-chaired the Plaza Project, the building of the gazebo and playground, the tree planting project, many Fourth of July Tournaments, trail openings and Standstill Parades.   For 37 years she owned and operated Val’s Beauty Shop in Lanesboro.

She was well known for her baking skills, especially her lefse, flatbread, and her paper-thin molasses cookies which she graciously shared with friends and neighbors.

She thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren, Steven, Stephanie, and Chais.  She loved to bake their favorites and always had the cookie jar full when she knew they were coming.

She was an accomplished crocheter who made many afghans, pot holders, and dish cloths.  She loved scrubbies, in fact she was known as the “scrubby lady” because she loved to give them away.  Bird watching was a hobby she also enjoyed, as did many friends who came to visit.

Valerie will be remembered for her kind heart and always being willing to help her family and friends.  Valerie is survived by her son Jon of Decorah, Iowa,  and daughter Sondra (Scott) McElmury, of Lanesboro; Grandchildren Steven McElmury, Stephanie McElmury, and Chais Olson; Brothers and sisters: Marge (Hyatt) King of Dallas, Bonny (Dick) Engen of Whalan,Glady (Rick) Nord of Stewartville, Robert Engen of Cashton, Wisconsin,  & Tom Engen of Mabel.  Two sister in laws Nancy Aske, of Mabel and Carol Olson of Minneapolis.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Valerie was preceded in death by her husband Dale, parents, brother Michael Aske, and brother in law Kenneth Olson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Valerie at 1:30 PM Saturday December 6, 2014 at the Whalan Lutheran Church with Rev. Patricia Hinkie officiating.

Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday December 6, from 11:30 AM until the time of service. Burial with will follow the service at the church cemetery.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in  Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements.   To share condolences with the family, please visit riileyfuneralhomes.com

VERSION 4

The local florist serving Whalen, Minnesota is:  Preston Floral Treasures.    You may contact them directly: (507) 765-2214.