Doris Olson

Doris Katherine Smith, daughter of Robert and Emma (Block) Smith, was born October 5, 1921 in Morris , Minnesota . She was baptized on November 7, 1921 by Reverend Pilgrim at Peace Lutheran Church in Morris. Doris grew up and received her schooling in Morris, and on June 21, 1936, was confirmed by Reverend Pilgrim at Peace Lutheran Church . On November 20, 1939, she was united in marriage to Kenneth E. Olson at her parent’s home in Morris. The couple made their home in Chokio , Minnesota , where they raised their daughter, Carol. Along with her favorite job of mother and homemaker, Doris also held a variety of jobs over the years. Some of those included working for Borth’s Café, the Chokio Creamery, Vernig’s Store, Nelson’s Store and the Chokio Review. She and Kenneth also owned and operated the Chokio Café for several years. Because Doris never liked sitting still, when she wasn’t working, she filled her spare time being active with the American Legion Auxiliary, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church , the Till and Tell Garden Club and she also spent countless hours cutting quilting squares for the Mission Action.

When time allowed, Doris also enjoyed bowling, throwing horse shoes, baking, cooking, doing embroidery work, fishing and attending any gatherings or parties that she was able to be at. She and Kenneth also enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Pomme de Terre Lake . Doris was also a collector of various items, especially jewelry, and had managed to collect over 700 pairs of earrings. Kenneth passed away December 13, 1996. Shortly after his death, Doris moved to the East Side Acres in Chokio.

Doris died on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the West Wind Village in Morris , Minnesota , having lived to reach the age of 88 years.

Doris is survived by her daughter: Carol (David) Anderson of Chokio; four grandchildren: Marsha (Roger) Vail of Chokio, Eldon Anderson of Owatonna, Robyn (Mike) Marty of Chokio and Justin (Lori) Anderson of Hancock; six great-grandchildren: Christy (Dustin) Schmidgall, Cassidy Vail, Cody Vail, Ross Marty, Reed Marty and Taylor Anderson; one great-great-grandchild: Raven Schmidgall and one sister: Janice Boller of Minneapolis. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two infant children: Robert Clifford Olson and Beverly Jean Olson and two brothers: Lloyd Smith and Clinton Smith.

Pallbearers for the service are: Justin Anderson, Eldon Anderson, Ordell Ritter, Roger Vail, Mike Marty and Dennis Neisius. Honorary pallbearers will be everyone who called Doris “Friend”. Julene Amborn will serve as organist for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.