Rosa Olson

Rosa Olson Rosa Jean Olson, 85, of Alexandria, died December 15, 2011, in Alexandria, Minnesota, with her family at her side. Rosa was born on January 20, 1926, in Garfield, Minnesota, to Alfred and Emma (Brueske) Froemming. The family moved to Alexandria when she was a young girl. Rosa attended Washington Elementary School and graduated from Alexandria High School in 1944. She was baptized at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Garfield and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria where she remained a member. During her school years Rosa was active in school activities including drama club, cheerleading, drum corps and Girls' Athletic Association (GAA.) After graduation, Rosa started working at the Alexandria Telephone Company for Jim and Magel Boyd. The business was later sold to United Telephone Company. Rosa retired as a telephone operator in 1985. She had many interesting and humorous stories from her telephone operator days. On April 22, 1951, she was united in marriage to Willard Olson. The family continued to live in Alexandria. Willard died in 1976. Rosa had a passion for good jokes and enjoyed telling stories of her years growing up in Alexandria. She enjoyed sporting activities and was an avid fan of high school, college, and professional sports teams. She was especially proud of her son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Rosa will be remembered for her wit, sense of humor, and German characteristics. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Rosa is survived by her son Jeff (Judy) Olson of Saint Peter, grandchildren Travis (Mande) Olson of Saint Peter, Brent (Katie) Olson of Mankato, and Stefanie (Stephen) Menning of Saint Peter, great-grandchildren Wyatt, Bennett, Tate, Finley, Emmett, Ella, Weston, Audrey Rose, and Graham, sister Bernice Froemming of Alexandria, sisters-in-law Fern Froemming, and Bernice (Olson) Reesness, and a number of nieces and nephews. Rosa was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Emma, her stepfather Harry "Pappy" Gulson, and siblings Roy, Earl, Ralph, LaVerne, and Albert. A funeral service was held on Monday, December 19, 2011 at the Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Terry Finnern and Rev. William Moeller officiating. Music was provided by Merice Brueske. Interment was in Kinkead Cemetery. Pallbearers were Travis Olson, Mande Olson, Brent Olson, Katie Olson, Stefanie Menning and Stephen Menning. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net