Services for Norma Gladys Olson
Norma Olson, 93, of Bemidji, MN, formerly of Clearbrook, MN, under the care of Hospice and with family at her side, was accepted into Heaven with God’s embrace on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
Private Family Funeral services will be held. Interment will at the Silver Creek Cemetery in Clearbrook under the direction of the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji.
Norma Gladys (Lundmark) Olson was born on January 26, 1927 in Leonard, MN to Floyd Hjalmer and Sylvia Nellie (Thorson) Lundmark, the first of three children. Her brothers, Leroy and Duane, followed. Norma graduated from Bagley High School in 1944, enlisted in the Cadet Nurse Corps, and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing in 1948. In 1948 she married Theodore (Ted) Olson in Bagley, MN, and they fostered their true love for each other for 67 years. They were blessed with 4 children: Theodore Steven, Thomas Bruce, Sylvia Berthine, and Christine Marie. Norma had a passion for family but also a love for nursing, serving 40+ years in the profession. After her marriage to Ted they lived in Bemidji and then in Minneapolis. During this time Norma provided nursing care as a private duty nurse to homebound patients. She also worked periodically at the Clearwater County Hospital in Bagley, MN. In 1953, Norma and Ted moved to Gary, MN and then to Hendrum, MN, 7 years later. During this time she served at the Ada hospital as a nurse and later as the administrator of the hospital and nursing home. In 1976, Norma and Ted moved to Clearbrook, MN where she worked as a nurse at the Good Samaritan Center for 12 years. She retired in 1988 but remained involved in the nursing profession, serving as co-director for Clearwater County Hospice. Norma was an active member of her church and had an extremely strong faith. She lived her life by the word of God. This was obvious to those in her community as she was a dedicated citizen, neighbor, and friend. She and Ted were both active members of Good Shepherd Church of Clearbrook. Norma was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary through the American Legion, Hospice Homemakers, and volunteered at the Clearbrook Senior Center. In recognition of Norma’s community service, she was named Clearwater County’s Outstanding Senior Citizen in 2002 and Grand Lady of Clearbrook in 2010. Norma had numerous passions and hobbies outside of her family and nursing. She was an avid Rosemaler and belonged to the Nor of Gonvick Rosemalers club. She won many awards for her beautiful work. She loved to play piano, sing, and tend to her garden and flowers. Norma and Ted loved to spend time at their cabin with family and friends on LaSalle Lake, near Itasca State Park. She will be missed and remembered for her poise, grace, kindness, and love.
Norma is survived by her four children, Theodore S. (Lynnette) Olson, Crookston; Thomas B. (Jeanette) Olson, Shevlin; Sylvia B. (Clif) Bitker, Bemidji; Christine M. (Thomas) Strand, Perley; 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, son-in-law Clif Bitker, and nephew Miles Lundmark.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, building fund, of Clearbrook, MN.
Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.
Cease Family Funeral Homes
2807 Irvine Ave. NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 751-9700 Fax (218) 751-9701 email address kcease@paulbunyan.net
