Marlys 'Jean' Olson

Chaplain Marlys Jean Olson née Schneider, 79, of Baxter, MN, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, in St. Cloud, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday September 11, 2026 at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the start of the service, and lunch will be served afterwards. The service will also be live streamed on the Brenny Funeral Home website.

Jean was born in Breckinridge, MN, July 28th, 1947. Born to a large family as one of sixteen children born to Edwin Nicholas Schneider and Dorothy Cecelia Schneider née Fletcher. In 1966 she was married to her husband Barry D. Olson. Together the two had four daughters whom she lovingly raised. She went on to complete her education from The College of St. Scholastica, obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degree in the areas of pastoral ministry and theology. Working as a Chaplain at the St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, MN, she provided prayer and comfort to people living and dying in the hospital. Known for her avid volunteer work, Jean spent many of her days volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Vivie Hospice, teaching religion classes, and serving her community in many other different ways.

She is preceded in death by her husband Barry, her parents Edwin and Dorothy, and her siblings: Mary Evenson, John Schneider, Donald Schneider, Patricia Koppelman, Charles Schneider, Richard Schneider, Thomas Schneider and Paul Schneider.

She is survived by her children: Deanna Olson and her wife Kate Johnson, Jen Sullivan and her husband Brian, Jodi Olson, and Jessica van Lamoen and her husband Robin; her grandchildren: Kevin Sullivan, Kyle Sullivan, Madeline Dehn, Samuel Dehn, Grace Dehn, and Tyler van Lamoen; and her siblings Carol Osmundson, Lavonne Johnson, Margaret Weber, Wanda Hasbargen, Nick Schneider, Kevin Schneider and Terry Hasbargen; as well as a community of in-laws, students, friends, community members, and people who were lovingly affected by her, her ministry, and her deep care for people around her. A woman who comforted many on their journey from living to death - Jean is perhaps more ready for this journey than most.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.