Thief River Falls – Betty Lou S. Olson passed away at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls on April 9, 2022, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side.
Betty Lou was born at Salol on November 8, 1927, the daughter of Victor E. and Tilda (Brandrud) Nelson. When she was very young, the family moved to Sanders Township, Pennington County. Betty attended Oak Grove Rural School through grade 8, then graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1945.
At this time, following World War II, there was a great shortage of rural teachers, so Betty attended Mayville State College for a six week course and began teaching in St. Thomas, ND. She continued teaching in Minnesota and North Dakota for six years.
On May 30, 1950 Betty was united in marriage to Donald D. Olson. The young couple made their home in South Dakota where Donald was employed bringing electricity to rural areas. The family returned to Minnesota a few years later.
To this union two daughters were born, Lois (Mrs. Lance Erickson) and Diane (Mrs. Mark Dietz).
After living in Thief River Falls, Betty and Don then built a new home in Norden Township.
Betty worked at the Ace Store in Thief River Falls for many years. She also worked with the Girl Scouts, leading her troop on trips to New York City, Washington D.C., and the Black Hills. She was very instrumental in helping establish Camp Moe.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Diane Dietz; grandsons, Oliver and Andrew Erickson of St. Paul; and sons-in-law, Mark Dietz and Lance Erickson.
Preceding Betty in death were her husband, Donald in 1993; daughter, Lois Erickson; parents, Victor and Tilda Nelson; parents-in-law, the Gordon Olsons, Sr.; also siblings and spouses, Victor “Gene” and Alice Nelson, June and Vernon Scholin, Marian and Kermit Finstad, Kathleen and Gilmore Flaten; and brother, John “Jack” Nelson.
Betty continues to be survived by numerous nieces and nephews; and a sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Wilbert McGregor of Warren.
Betty was a member of Oak Ridge Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed.
No funeral services will be conducted at this time, but a memorial service will be held at Betty’s home at a later date. A00003B2022AP20