Lillian Marie Olsen, 82, Minot died on Monday, November 10, 2008 in her home with her family from cancer.

Lillian was born on December 31, 1925 in Orrin, North Dakota to Leonard and Julia (Kraft) Wentz. She was raised in Orrin and Rugby where she attended school. Lillian moved to Minot in 1943.

Lillian married S. L." Bud" Olsen on June 23rd, 1948, in Minot and they recently celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. They made their home in Minot where they owned and operated the Parkway Grocery Store at the south entrance to Eastwood Park. Lillian was employed at Ellison's Department Store and Walter's Women's Wear and Bud served as the City of Minot Assessor prior to serving as the Minot Chamber of Commerce Executive Director for 31 years. They raised their children and resided at 105 26th St. S.W. for almost 50 years.

Lillian was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church - Minot and its Confraternity of Christian Mothers. Also, she was a member and past president of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and a member of the Minot Retriever Club. Lillian enjoyed participating in the annual Hostfest, playing cards, especially bridge and whist, as well as gardening and dancing.

Lillian was a wonderful wife, mother and friend, and she will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.

Survivors include her loving husband of 60 years, Bud; children, Karen (Jerel) Wood of Johnstown, CO, Denise (Dave) Thorson of Rozet, WY, Sandy(Chuck) Matson of North Platte, NE and Clark (Debra) Olsen of Kenai, AK; grandchildren, Jessica Wood, Heidi Thorson, Nicole Jones, Frank and Jarad Matson, Mariah, Andrea, Gretchen and Clark Olsen Jr; great- granddaughter, Tatiana Matson; sister, Elsie Bielski of Lowell, Indiana and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Ann Roth, Carolyn Asher, Betty Meiers, Francis Schaffer, Irene Lumpkin and Rose Silva, and brothers, John, William, Chris, Rudy and Alfred Wentz.

Visitation: Friday November 14, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church.