Karen Jeanne Olson

Roseau- Karen J. (McDonnell) Olson passed away peacefully on May 24, 2020 at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. Karen was born in Salt Lake City, UT on March 22, 1952. She grew up in LaHabra, CA and attended college at UCLA.

          She met Ronnie Olson in Roseau while on a summer trip with Ronnie’s cousin, and married him on April 2, 1977. Karen was a stay at home mom with three kids until they went to school, and retired as a Social Worker for Roseau County. Their three children, Jennie (Arich) Walsh, Patrick (Stephanie) Olson, and Caroline (Adam) Letcher, all reside in Grand Forks, ND.

          Karen enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, reading, but most of all spending time with her children and grandchildren; Ava, Beau, and Ellie Walsh, Peyton Olson, and Michael Letcher.

She is survived by her spouse, Ronnie, and their three children, along with her three brothers, Mike, Gene, and Marty McDonnell who reside in California and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents Homer and Donna McDonnell, and granddaughter Harriet Letcher.

There will be a private graveside family service at Moe-Rose Cemetery in rural Roseau. A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a later date. 

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