Carolyn Lavon Olson, beloved mom, grandma, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Willow Home in Hays, Kansas after a brave fight with cancer. She was 89 years old.
Carolyn was born on November 3, 1935 in the home of her maternal grandparents in McIntosh, South Dakota to Carlisle and Evelyn Buel. Carolyn‘s youth was spent on the farm in south central North Dakota, where she attended country school. The smell of alfalfa brought her back to the special memories of childhood. After attending two years of college in Kansas, Carolyn pursued an education in nursing. In 1958, she graduated from the diploma school of nursing program in Mitchell, South Dakota. While studying to become a nurse, Carolyn met the love of her life on a blind date set up by mutual friends. Tom and Carolyn wed on August 30, 1958 in McIntosh, South Dakota. Together, they worked, played and raised five children on their lovely piece of property just outside of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Carolyn was a fabulous gardener. She especially loved growing green beans and other produce for her family. She was a talented cook and baker. Her family loved her wonderful homemade buns, caramels, and fresh strawberry pie! Other hobbies included sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting and reading. Friends and family received many of her wonderful homemade gifts.
Carolyn enjoyed camping and traveling with her husband Tom. They loved traveling to Branson Missouri many times over the years. They had many other fun adventures in their camper.
Carolyn had a 40 year career as a Registered Nurse. She worked at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls on the medical/surgical unit, the operating room, but spent the majority of her career on the Obstetrics unit. She so loved caring for newborn babies!
Carolyn had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. She read her Bible faithfully and she knew Christ as her personal Savior. Carolyn was a member of the church of the Nazarene in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. After moving to Guernsey, Wyoming, she was a part of Faith Fellowship Baptist Church. Carolyn moved to Hays Kansas in March 2024 where she became a part of the North Oak community Church family. Her faith was very important to her.
Carolyn leaves behind her five children, Valerie Mills of Casper, Wyoming, Jay (Nancy) Olson of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Paula (Kurt) Martin of Hays, Kansas, Kristi (Davin) Wirrenga of Jamestown, North Dakota and Denise O’Neil of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. She also leaves 18 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Tom of 66 years, her parents, her grandson, Judson Thomas Jarboe, and twin grandsons, Otto and Elliot Wirrenga.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Details will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Voice of the Martyrs or to North Oak Community Church (Operation Christmas Child on the memo line).
Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Carolyn's family on her tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com