Debra Ann Olson (Erickson), 69

Debra Ann Olson (Erickson), age 69 died peacefully on March 29, 2021 at her home in Elko with her children by her side. She fought for many years against a complicated, non-alcohol related liver disease.

Deb was born on January 26, 1952 and raised by Phyllis and Arthur. She was one of five children and proudly graduated from Bloomington Kennedy High School before attending nursing school. As the middle child, she was a peacekeeper, and a “go to” for her siblings throughout the years. Later in life, she enjoyed many beach vacations with her mom and sisters, creating lasting memories.

After graduating with her LPN, Deb married Gregory Olson and together the couple started a family in rural Jordan, MN. They raised three children before parting ways. While living on the hobby farm, Deb enjoyed many flower gardens and spent hours crafting. She often sold her crafts at local sales and enjoyed the time spent being creative. She was a friend to all but was the sort of woman who had long lasting, meaningful friendships.

Deb had a passion for helping and caring for others and made it her career. She was a successful nurse and later in life, proudly earned her RN degree from Normandale Community College. Throughout her career, she cared for many. When she retired, she had worked for Children’s Hospital Minneapolis for over 15 years, providing pediatric special care. Her family often commented over the years she was their “Nurse Angel”.

Family meant everything to Deb. She taught her children many life lessons naturally through her way of living a kind, thoughtful and giving life. She also taught them to be self-sufficient, and ensured they learned many skills such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and how to improvise. Deb was always working to find a solution to a problem, she had many clever hacks before it was popular.

She was so grateful to spend the last year living at her daughter and son-in-laws home in Elko and they, along with her sons and daughter-in-law, provided daily care the last month of her life. She often commented how meaningful it was to see her grandchildren daily and hear their stories, or to share a treat while watching a cooking show.  She had a deep love for all her children and grandchildren, who kept her fighting for many years over her illness.

Deb leaves behind sons, Ryan (Andi) of Clear Lake, Chet (Mae) of Montgomery, daughter Lindsey (Adam) of Elko and grandchildren Karl, Erik, Evan, Elliana, Luke and new grandchildren she looked forward to meeting from the Philippines. Siblings, Diane Buntrock, Denise (Peter) Anderson and David (Heidi) Kolhoff, sister-in-law Debbie Erickson along with many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Kolhoff, brother Dean Erickson and father, Aurthur Kolhoff.

A small, private service will be held at Bruzek Funeral Home on April 9th, 2021 in New Prague, MN, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Normandale Community College, designating the Debra Olson Memorial Fund https://bit.ly/3cDxEIx.

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