Lucille Florence Olson

Lucille Florence Olson, 94, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023, at Oak Crossing Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

She was born on May 6, 1929, in Detroit Lakes, the daughter of Joseph and Pearl (Brown) Leitheiser. Growing up in the area, Lucille received her education from local schools and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1947. She met the love of her life, Richard Olson, shortly after graduating and married on January 19, 1948.

Lucille had a variety of jobs over the years but her role as a mother and homemaker is what truly defined her. She poured love into everything she did and made sure her children had the best upbringing possible. Lucille's children were always her priority, and she embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood with grace and strength.

Lucille's kind-hearted nature endeared her to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her warm smile and genuine concern for others made her an exceptional friend. Known for having a great sense of humor, she could always bring laughter to any gathering. Lucille's toughness and resilience shone through as she navigated life's hardships after losing her husband at the age of 49. Despite these difficulties, she faced each day with courage and optimism. She opened a small grocery store in her home to allow her to be at home with her then teen-age sons. She continued to operate this successful business until her retirement.

Beyond her dedication to family, Lucille found joy in a variety of hobbies and interests. She possessed a competitive spirit, evident in her love for card playing and sports, particularly baseball. Gardening was another passion of hers, as she nurtured vibrant blooms and found solace in nature's beauty.

Lucille is survived by five of her children: Linda (Ron) Nordlund, Gary (Janis) Olson, Diane (Richard) Goodrich, Joseph (Wendy) Olson, and Daniel (Carolyn) Olson, 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Verna Leitheiser and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, three children: Kenneth, John, and Richard, and four siblings: Melvin, Donald, Delores, and Richard.

Visitation: 5PM – 5:45PM, Friday, November 17, 2023 at David-Donehower Funeral Home.

Prayer Service: 5:45PM, Friday, November 17, 2023 at David-Donehower Funeral Home.

Visitation: 9:30AM – 10:15AM, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Detroit Lakes.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30AM, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Chuck Huck to officiate.

Burial: Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.

Lucille's Mass of Christian Burial can be viewed the day of the service at:

https://www.youtube.com/@holyrosarycatholicchurchde380/streams

Arrangements are in the care of David-Donehower Funeral Home.