Thief River Falls – Janice I. Olson, 79, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls.
Janice Ione Nelson was born on January 8, 1946, in Sandstone, to Ernest and Pearl (Feyma) Nelson. She was baptized in 1956 and confirmed in 1960 at the United Church of Christ. A graduate of Sandstone High School in 1964, Janice began her professional life working at Northwestern National Bank in Minneapolis from 1964 to 1968.
On September 28, 1968, she was united in marriage to James J. Olson. Later in life, she also worked at Discovery Place from 1990 to 1991. However, Janice found her greatest joy in being a devoted housewife and mother.
She was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and actively participated in the Women’s Missionary Federation (WMF). Her faith was an important part of her life, reflected in her love for reading the Bible and visiting patients in nursing homes. Janice also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking—activities that brought warmth to those around her.
Janice is survived by her husband, James Olson of Thief River Falls; three children: Susan Olson of Thief River Falls, Mark (Shannon) Olson of Moorhead, and David (Angie) Olson of East Grand Forks; four grandchildren, Killian, Nolan, Brooke and Ethan; one brother, John Nelson of Sandstone; and one sister, JoAnn (Dave) Vork of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandparents, John and Anna Nelson, and Gerben and Anna Feyma.
Janice’s life was marked by quiet devotion to her family and faith. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
Visitation and the service to celebrate Janice’s life took place on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Alex Amiot officiating.
Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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Janice Olson, 79
