Nancy Olson

Nancy Elaine Olson, born May 31, 1951, in Poplar (now Leader), Minnesota, passed away on November 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable Sassitude — a word that perfectly captured her spark, her humor, and her one-of-a-kind spirit.

Nancy was the third of seven children born to Harvey and Myrtle (Beals) Halverson — the third child, and the first her father proudly delivered at home. She began her schooling in the one-room schoolhouse in Leader, Minnesota, an early chapter that reflected the simplicity, grit, and close-knit community she grew up with. She spent most of her life in the Pine River area, where her humor, warmth, and vibrant personality made her unforgettable.

She married Terry Marvin Olson on January 21, 1973. Gina was already a part of Nancy’s life when they came together, and Terry embraced her as his own from the beginning. In 1974, they welcomed a son, Shanon, completing the little family Nancy loved so deeply. Though life took its turns, her children remained her heart, her pride, and her greatest joy. When grandchildren came along, her world expanded again — and she lit up in a way only a grandmother can.

Nancy is survived by her children, Shanon (Linda) Olson of Philadelphia, PA, and Gina (Jeremy) Kral of Baldwin, MN; her siblings Barbara (Landis) of Fargo, ND, Thenda of St. Cloud, MN, Joan (Steve) of Princeton, MN, and Wesley of Tracy, TN; her grandchildren David, Madison, and Dayle; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, F. Leslie and Alice Beals; her parents, Harvey and Myrtle Halverson; and her brothers, Ron Halverson and G. Levi Halverson.

Nancy had an amazing ability to make friends in minutes. People didn’t just like her — they remembered her. Her Sassitude wasn’t just attitude; it was warmth, joy, and a way of being that made life brighter. She was rebellious, fun, gentle, caring, and — when she was truly riled — absolutely formidable.

Music, dancing, and parties were her playgrounds. She loved rock and oldies, lived like a hippie in spirit, and filled her home with plants — sometimes sixty or more — lovingly cared for. Holidays, especially Christmas, brought her so much joy, and she had a special talent for making others feel seen and loved, even when she didn’t have much to give.

Nancy spent her working years helping others — in group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, cleaning, babysitting — until health issues made her retire in the early 2000s. Even then, her capacity to care never dimmed: she supported her parents later in life and devoted herself to her children and grandchildren.

Her greatest pride and joy were her family: her kids first, and then, when grandchildren came, they became her “everything all over again.” She lit up when she was with them in a way that only a grandmother can.

Burial will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Ponto Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00–5:00 p.m. on that same day, followed by the funeral at 5:00 p.m. Both the visitation and funeral will be held at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, located at 309 North Fourth Street, Staples, MN 56479. A meal will follow the funeral.

In honor of Nancy, plants are preferred over flowers. Donations can be made to Thenda Bermea for the local food shelf, a cause that held deep meaning for her.

Nancy’s sass, love, and spirit made her unforgettable — and she will be deeply missed, but always remembered.