Barbara Carol Jackson (Olson), 76

Barbara Carol Jackson (Olson), age 76 of Maple Grove, formerly of Montgomery and Cleveland, died peacefully surrounded by family on November 4, 2022 after a long journey with Lewy Body Dementia. She is remembered for her unfailing love for her family and for her enthusiasm for guiding young minds.

Barb was born on May 19, 1946 to Lester and Helen (Ylinen) Olson in Minneapolis, and was the third of six children. She graduated from Osseo High School in 1964 and Mankato State College in 1968. She married Donald Jackson on August 26, 1967. They had two children, Daniel and Kristina. After teaching elementary-age children in the beginning of her career, Barb provided day-care services for many years in Montgomery. She then received her MA in Early Childhood Education from Mankato State University and started the first Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program in Montgomery-Lonsdale Public Schools. She adored her job with the school and was devoted to working with the community’s preschool learners and their families. She especially loved watching the spark of creativity and knowledge lighting up in little one’s eyes. 

 Barb loved hosting friends and families at their home on West Jefferson Lake, where her basket collection was legendary. Later in life, she spent years helping to care for her grandchildren. She leaves with us the inspiration to take children by the hand and show them the world with a special eye toward appreciating the little things, and the example of how to hold a deep love for family. She is dearly loved and will be profoundly missed. 

Barb is survived by her husband, Donald of Maple Grove; son, Daniel Jackson and grandchildren William, Nicholas, and Samuel of Chanhassen; daughter, Kristina (Kurt) Koshiol and grandchildren Kaden and Kalina of Minnetonka; siblings Peggy (Dick) Walstrom, Deb (Bob) Killmer, Dwight (Cindy) Olson; sister-in-law Sal (Jackson) Alsaker; along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

Barb was preceded in death by her father, Lester Olson; mother, Helen Olson; and brothers Lester Wayne Olson and George Olson.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Montgomery, MN. Visitation will take place 10 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., followed with a light luncheon at the church. The family expresses gratitude to the staff at The Willows of Arbor Lakes and the hospice team at Grace Hospice for their exceptional care of Barb. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be collected to donate to the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program in Montgomery, please see https://everloved.com/life-of/barbara-carol-jackson for details.

Category:

Suel Printing Company

Copyright © Suel Printing Company
All Rights Reserved
200 Main St E
New Prague, MN 56071

Phone: 952-758-4435
Fax: 952-758-4135

If you would like to receive a FREE digital edition with a paid print subscription please call 952-758-4435.