Clarice Olson

Clarice Olson, of Dawson, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson, MN at the age of 86.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson, MN.  Pastor Kendall Stelter will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 16, 2022 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church or Rice Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements are with Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson.

Clarice Jeanette Olson was born in 1936 in Clarkfield, MN to Arthur and Christine Benson.  She lived on the family farm and attended country school through fifth grade often walking the 1¼ miles to and from school.  Clarice graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1953. Her resilience was tested early in life when she lost her beloved dad to a sudden heart attack at age 16.  Arthur had taught Clarice to drive farm machinery, milk cows, and help with other chores.  She and her sisters pitched in to help her brother, Carl with his new farming responsibilities.

Clarice also worked at the “Dime Store” in Montevideo.  She met her husband of 67 years, Ellsworth, through her sister Joan who was dating his good friend Roy.  Ellsworth and Clarice were married in 1955 at Israel Lutheran Church of rural Clarkfield where she had also been baptized and confirmed.  They rented the “Hanson” farm north of Dawson where they raised their children for 16 years.  In 1971 the family moved to a new house on a farm northwest of Dawson that they had purchased. 

Clarice was a wonderful homemaker and support to farming operations.  She prepared countless homemade meals as well as morning and afternoon “coffee breaks” for all the help.  Clarice loved to bake and was well known for her delicious buns, a family recipe that won “Grand Champion” at the County Fair.  The freezer was always full of baked treats.  Ellsworth was often sent to deliver fresh baked goods to many, especially those going through difficult times.  Visitors to their home were always offered an assortment of “goodies” with coffee.  Her hospitality continued during her illness as she “supervised” what was served.

Clarice also enjoyed quilting and made hand-stitched quilts for family.  She was a wonderful grandma to her four grandsons and always willing to help out.  Clarice was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and Global Missions.  She also tended to the needs of her mother, Christine, for many years.  Ellsworth and Clarice enjoyed camping as well as vacations to many US destinations, Canada, and Norway with family and friends.

In 2017 Clarice and Ellsworth built an accessible home in Dawson.  It was a fortunate decision as in February 2021 Clarice bravely opted for amputation of her leg due to bone cancer.  She worked diligently to get back home and despite a second surgery in June remained at home with the help of many wonderful caregivers and hospice services.  Clarice moved to the Care Center on March 31, 2022 and passed away May 10, 2022.  Her faith, perseverance, and resiliency amazed all around her.

Clarice was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Carl (LaVonne), sisters, Joan (Roy), Connie, and Darlene.  She is survived by her husband, Ellsworth; son, Mark (Lisa) Olson of Broomfield, CO;  daughter, Cheryl (Larry) Bornhorst of Mounds View, MN; sister, Helen Werner, brother-in-law, Wayne Lehmann, grandsons, Brad (Cherie), Michael (Amelia), Daniel, Tom (Sarah), and four great-grandchildren.  

Blessed be her memory.