Margaret Louise Olson

Margaret Louise (Harding) Olson “Peg”

Beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away on April 10, 2023. Born June 22, 1932, in Bismarck, ND, to Harry and Veronica Harding. Peg was cherished and will be greatly missed by all her friends and family.

Peg graduated from Bismarck High School in 1950. She took courses at the College of St. Benedict from 1951-1952, before attending North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU), where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics in 1954. She interned in dietetics and nutrition at University of MN Hospitals from 1954-1955. She continued her education at the University of MN where she received a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology in 1969.

Peg worked as a dietitian at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, St Luke’s Hospital Spokane, WA, and University of CA-San Francisco, between 1955 and 1963. She spent most of her professional career as an educator at a variety of institutions, including the University of MN from 1963 until her retirement in 1993.

Peg traveled to Europe in 1962 with new and forever friend, Hope Thill, where they toured with the singing group "The Happy Wanderers." After the tour completed, Hope and Peg traveled Europe on their own and made many wonderful memories.

Peg married Roald Olson on February 19, 1966. Their first home was in Rochester, MN, while Roald did architectural work for Mayo Clinic. Kathryn was born spring 1967 and Erik was born fall of 1970, after which they moved to Mississippi for several years for Roald's work at Mississippi Baptist Hospital through Ellerbe. Peg and Roald purchased a small house on Turtle Lake in Shoreview, MN, and rebuilt it to be their family home of 23 years. Many celebrations were hosted at their home for birthdays, holidays, graduations, and various other occasions.

Peg was always an active member of her community from the Mounds View District 621 School Board to the White Bear Lake chapter of the League of Women Voters. In their retirement, Peg and Roald traveled by motorhome to the southern and western United States. Their favorite places to visit were Sedona, AZ, and the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico. While at home, Peg enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. After Roald’s passing in fall of 2020, Peg moved to Middleton, WI, to be closer to her son and daughter. Peg’s last weeks were filled with many great visits from good friends and family.

The family would like to thank Beehive Homes Mt Horeb for their kind and compassionate care in Peg’s last months, Agrace Hospice for their care and guidance, and UnityPoint Hospital staff for her care in her final days.

Peg is preceded in death by her Husband, Roald Olson, and parents, Harry and Veronica (Harty) Harding. Peg is survived by Son, Erik; Daughter, Kathryn; granddaughters: Myranda Beckmann, Cassandra (Lance) Chevre, and Victoria (Moshe) Nathan; Great-Grandchildren, Flynn and Esmee Chevre; Sister, Jane (Gary) Filerman; Nieces, Amy (Doug) Hahn and Suzanne Filerma; Nephew, Joseph Filerman; and friend of nearly 60 years, Hope Thill.

Mass of Christian Burial to be held in Peg’s honor on Friday, June 23, 2023, at 11am, at St Odilia's Catholic Church in Shoreview, MN. Luncheon following the mass. Memorials preferred to Second Harvest.