Lois Jean Olson, 84, lifelong Minot resident, died Thursday, February 20, 2020 in the Garrison Benedictine Living Center.

Lois was born December 21, 1935 in Minot, North Dakota, the daughter of Earl and Fern (Nowlan) Fossum.   She was raised and educated in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1954.  During her younger years, she was employed as a telephone operator for Northwest Bell Telephone.

Lois was united in marriage to Robert M. "Bob" Olson on October 23, 1955.   They made their home in Minot throughout the years, where along with raising their two daughters, she was employed as a secretary at First Presbyterian Church in Minot for several years and more recently with the Ward County District Court as a clerk from 1983-2001.

Lois and Bob shared a beautiful life of devotion to one another. Lois was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She joyfully shared her gift of hospitality through entertaining family and friends as a delicious cook and baker. Lois was cared for by Bob at home until she entered Maple View Memory Care in Minot in July 2017. Lois had been a resident of the Garrison Benedictine Living Center since July of 2018, where she received wonderful care from the staff.

Lois and Bob were longtime members of the Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot, where she served as Chairperson of the Women's Fellowship in 2006.   She volunteered for Trinity Hospital in the surgical waiting area, was a member of the PEO Chapter R, and did volunteer work at the Norsk Hostfest.  She and Bob were avid square dancers with the Magic City Squares and Hustlers Square Dancing groups.   They especially enjoyed their trips to Norway.

Her Loving family includes: husband of 64 years, Bob Olson, Minot; daughter, Barb (Lynn) Hopewell, Jamestown, ND, son in law, Havelock John "Skip" Purseglove, Plainfield, MA; 4 grandchildren to include: Sabre (Lewis) Herzig, J. (Suzanne) Purseglove, Isaac Purseglove and Sarah Hopewell; 2 great grandchildren, Alice and Hayden Herzig; a faithful supportive sister and brother in law, Carol (Jim) Picard, Minot; brother, Lyle (Margo) Fossum, Queen Creek, AZ, a sister in law, Evelyn Fossum, Richfield, MN, and many dearly loved nieces & nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Debbie and brothers, Ronald & Robert Fossum and a sister, Betty Lou Fossum.

Celebration of Life service : Friday, February 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, February 27th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot.

Lois Olson Flower Pictures