Audrey Olson

Audrey Olson, age 85, of Mentor, MN, passed away on Tuesday, December 10th, at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston, MN. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14th, at Faith Lutheran Church in Mentor with the Rev. Michael Sletto officiating. Interment will be in Kingo Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston, MN. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Saturday morning at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages on condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com. 

Audrey Burnette Olson was born June 10th, 1939, in Fosston, MN to Alton and Rosetta (Olson) Ekeberg. Audrey attended Country School #282 from first grade through sixth grade. She then attended McIntosh High School from seventh grade through twelfth grade, where she graduated with the class of 1957. After graduating high school, Audrey worked various jobs including selling concessions at the drive-in movie theater, harvesting potatoes, working for a dentist office, and working as a nurse’s assistant. She enjoyed all of her jobs and was always a busy lady. Later in life, she enjoyed working on the farm and raising beef cattle. She always had a soft spot in her heart for her cattle.

Audrey was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Lee on June 27th, 1959. Audrey and Robert lived together in Fosston, MN. To this union, two children were born: Lynette Lee and Michael Lee. 

Audrey was then remarried to Arnold Olson, Jr on May 7th, 1977. Audrey and Arnold lived together in Mentor, MN. To this union, one daughter was born: Sarah Olson. 

Audrey was a social butterfly who enjoyed getting together with friends and family. Audrey enjoyed gardening and canning the vegetables from her garden, watching birds, cooking large family meals – she was famous for her potato salad, spending time with family, and playing bingo. 

She is survived by her son, Michael Lee of Mentor, MN; daughter, Sarah (Terry) Whalen of Oklee, MN; grandchildren Brooke (Josh) Kysely, Trevor Lee (Hanna Braaksma), Chase Whalen, Carlee Whalen (Gabe Arveson), and Claire Whalen. She is also survived by her best friend, Ellen Lee of Gary, MN. Audrey is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Lynette Lee, and her husband Arnold Olson, Jr. 

The family of Audrey would like to sincerely thank the Villa St. Vincent of Crookston, MN, for the excellent care and compassion towards Audrey for the past three years. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there and socializing with friends and staff.