Grace E. Olson

Grace Eleanor (Klosterman) Olson, 92, of Fargo, ND (formerly Mooreton, ND), passed away on September 24, 2023, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo with family by her side. 

Grace was born on September 10, 1931, in Wahpeton, ND to Charles A and Catherine (Melcher) Klosterman.  Grace grew up on the Klosterman family farm near Mooreton, ND. She graduated as valedictorian of the Wahpeton High School class of 1949. 

On September 8, 1951, she was united in marriage to Manford Olson at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Mooreton, ND.  Together, Grace and Manny farmed on the Olson family farm near Mooreton, ND for 66 years.  They were blessed with six children, Rebecca, Patricia, Ramona, David, William, and Karen.  Grace was active within her church and community.  In 2017, Grace and Manny sold their farmstead and moved into Fargo, where she lived until her death.

Grace was an avid gardener during her years on the farm.  She was also well-known for her love of reading and music. Musically, she loved many genres from opera to country, but her favorite musical events were sing-alongs led by her brother Dick Klosterman. Grace also enjoyed the summers spent relaxing with family and friends at their cabin on Lake Blanche.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Charles A. and Catherine (Melcher) Klosterman; her husband, Manford Olson; son-in-law, Gary Lee; and several of her brothers and sisters: Frederick Klosterman, Martha Riba, Dorothy Henkenius, Ralph Klosterman, Harold Klosterman, Lorraine Sandeen, Florence Gerou, and Bernice Studley.

Grace is survived by her six children: Rebecca Lee, St. Anthony, MN; Patricia Beithon, Minneapolis, MN; Ramona (Richard) Engelmann, Richland, WA; David (Sydney Rubin) Olson, Brookline, MA, William (Kelly Gilchrist) Olson, Yorktown Heights, NY; and Karen (Cort) Cieminski, Plymouth, MN.  Grace is also survived by two brothers and one sister: Richard (Phyllis) Klosterman, Robert (Beverly) Klosterman, and Eileen (Ed) Erbes.

Grace was known as Grandma Grace to her 13 grandchildren: Paul Beithon, Andrea (Grant) Gaudet, Jessica Lee, Angela (Ryland Witzler) Lee, Daniel Engelmann, Elizabeth Olson, Anna (Furkan Bestepe) Olson, Catherine Cieminski, Connor Cieminski, Claire Cieminski, Eric Olson, Luke Olson, and Willa Olson. 

The family will celebrate Grace’s life in a private gathering to be held on a warm sunny day near the farm she so dearly loved.  A special thanks to family, friends, and neighbors for their prayers, support and assistance provided to Grace and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Chahinkapa Zoo in Wahpeton, ND, or to the charity of your choice.

Obituary was written by her loving family.