Public services for Alice Olson, age 98, of rural Ringsted will be held at at later date. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Township Cemetery.
In memory of Alice the family prefers for you to plant a rosebush or a tree in her honor, or memorials to Ingham Lake Bible Camp.
Alice Marie Olson, daughter of Andrew and Susie (Matheson) Handeland, was born on December 17, 1921 in rural Dolliver, Iowa. She passed away at her home surrounded by her family in rural Ringsted, Iowa on April 18, 2020 at the age of 98 years.
Alice attended country schools in the Gruver and Dolliver areas. After high school graduation, she attended two years at Estherville Junior College and became a teacher. She taught in a one room schoolhouse by Graettinger: until her marriage to Arnold M. Olson at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, South of Gruver on April 17, 1943. The couple made their home and farmed in Jack Creek Township. In 1987, the couple retired and moved into Estherville. On October 30, 1992, Arnold passed away. Missing the country life, Alice moved back to the country in 1998, where she remained in her home until her death.
Alice was confirmed in 1934 at Palestine Lutheran Church in Dolliver. She has been an active and faithful member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church- South of Gruver since her marriage. Alice enjoyed her time as a member of the Ladies Aide and Quilting Group at church. She was also a member of the CCC Club. She enjoyed baking. Alice had a love for gardening, especially with flowers. The front of her home was full of potted flowers every year for her to maintain and enjoy. She planted almost all of the trees on her property and watered each of them with a five-gallon bucket. She was a very hard-working woman, but she took the time to enjoy her families' activities as well. She loved to watch her grandchildren when they were younger, and attending their events and activities brought her great joy.
Alice is survived by her children Ronald (Cathy) Olson of Estherville, Marlys Donnelly of Sioux City, Eileen (Wayne) Gengler of Spencer, Marleen (Douglas) Buss of Emmetsburg, and Dennis (Martha) Olson of Ringsted; her grandchildren Andrew (Lorie) Olson, Matthew Olson, Sarah Olson, Elizabeth (Ethan) Spronk, Eric Olson, and Erin Olson; and her great-grandchildren Thomas, Alissa, Alison, and Ava Olson and Allie Olson She is also survived by her sister-in-law Elnora Madden, and many nieces and nephews.
Alice is preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Susie Handeland; her husband Arnold M Olson; an infant son; her sisters Lillian Schroeder, Hazel Cuff, Edna Emerson, Agnes Steele, and Helen Birkland, and her brothers Lester and George Handeland.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
