Lorraine Diane Olson

Lorraine was born in her parents’ home in Dodge County on August 29, 1933, to Lee and Alvina (Hennings) Wilson. Her primary school years were spent attending Oak Ridge Country School, a one room school house. She went on to graduate from Pine Island High School in 1951.

Following graduation, Lorraine began working at the First National Bank in Rochester, Minnesota. She drove to Arizona on an adventure with friends to work for First National in Phoenix. She then lived briefly in California and Texas before returning to Minnesota. Upon her return, she worked at Red Wing Shoes and later IBM. It was during her time at IBM that she met her future husband, Jon Olson. The two were wed on December 7, 1962 at the Little Brown Church and shared 54 years of marriage before Jon’s passing.

Lorraine paused her career outside the home to focus on what mattered most to her: raising her four children and helping run the family farm. Once her children were older, she returned to the workforce and began working at the Zumbrota School as one of the beloved "Lunch Ladies," serving the community's children until her retirement.

Having grown up during the Great Depression, Lorraine was part of the Silent Generation. She possessed a quiet resilience and an unwavering work ethic. She was always a hard worker—head down, focused, and busy getting done what needed to be done. Yet, she always found time to give back. She generously gifted her time to her community by teaching Sunday school, being a Cub Scout leader, working at the county fair, visiting residents in local nursing homes and delivering Meals on Wheels.

Lorraine was strong-willed, feisty and loved to tease others. She was always up adventure and travel, especially when family was involved. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved long walks, gardening, painting ceramics, knitting, quilting, and watching the wildlife from her home along the Zumbro River. She was also an exceptional cook and baker; no visitor ever left her home without enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and a homemade treat. Above all, Lorraine cherished children, and her grandchildren were the absolute light of her life.

She is survived by her devoted children: Jon (Brandy), Tim, Mike (Joey), and Sara (Bruce); her beloved grandchildren: Cayley, Jacob, Mitchell, and Ruby; her sister, Patty (Jerry) DuPont; and her brother, Jerry Wilson; her sisters-in-law, Bonnie Olson and LaVonne Olson. Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Jon; her sister, Delores; her brother, Donnie; and her in-laws, Cliff Parker, Bob and Jim Olson, Sue and Neal Bakken.

The service to celebrate Lorraine’s life will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 11 at United Redeemer Lutheran Church, 560 W. Third St. Zumbrota, with Rev. Jessica Bakken Busch officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.