Vivian “Viv” Irene Olson

Vivian “Viv” Irene Olson, age 89, of Lanesboro, Minn., passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Rochester. Having had a personal relationship with her Savior Jesus, Vivian knew He would be waiting to welcome her to her eternal home in Heaven.

Vivian was born on August 10, 1935, and raised on Peaks Island in Portland, Maine, to James and Ethel (MacLeod) MacVane. She met Gerald Olson in Portland while stationed in the United States Coast Guard. They later married in Atlas, Wis. The couple began their life together in Minneapolis, Minn., where Vivian worked as a bank teller at Northwestern Bank, and eventually a stay-at-home mom. She and Gerald were active members of Asbury United Methodist Church in Minneapolis and made lifelong friends there. 

In 1970, Vivian and Gerald moved to Lanesboro, Minn., where she was employed at the Lanesboro Public Schools until her retirement in 2000. She built lasting, loving relationships with the staff and students over those years. 

Vivian was an active member of the Lanesboro United Methodist Church, Lanesboro Golf Club, and enjoyed time with close friends at their monthly Sunshine Club outings. Her life was enriched by many hobbies, including perennial gardening, baking, reading, sewing, knitting, watching nature outside her windows, and being an avid sports enthusiast. Vivian also cherished trips to the North Shore of Lake Superior, Mackinac Island, and golf destinations across the country. In retirement, she and Gerald continued traveling together and creating special memories with family and friends, old and new, and often stated, “I’ve had a wonderful life.”

She is survived by one sister, Beverly (Malcolm) Murray of Ogunquit, Maine; brother-in-law Dean (Michelle) Olson of Wisconsin; three children: Jeff (Kate) Olson of Highland, Jennifer Kimball-Olson of Lanesboro, and Rebecca (Chris) Hale of Rochester; daughter-in-law Glory Olson of Shawnee, Kans., former son-in-law Michael Kimball of Fountain, seven grandchildren: Gabriel (Whitney) Kimball, Ashley (Brandon) Wangen, Samantha (Philip) Albrecht, Caleb (Caitie) Kimball, Rachel (Brenden) Worden, Ashton Hale and Marryn Hale; 11 great-grandchildren who all brought immense joy into her life, and several nephews and nieces.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Olson, son Craig Olson, grandson Benjamin Kimball, brothers Glenn (Alicia), Douglas, Bruce (Lois), Walter, and Donald (Pili); and sister Donna (Ted) Lauritzen.

Vivian’s wishes were for her ashes to be scattered on the back shore of Peaks Island where she held many cherished memories. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on May 9, 2025, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro. Visitation to begin at 10 a.m.

Vivian’s family, especially Scout and Oakley would like to recognize St. Croix Hospice team (Nurse Kat, Jessica, Chaplain Dan and music therapist Alexa) for the wonderful care and time spent with Vivian these past seven months!