nette Shanholtz on Jan. 14, 1934, in Mitchell, South Dakota, peacefully passed away on Jan. 19, 2024, in Orono, Minnesota, at the age of 90. Helen was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her brother David (Sheryl) Shanholtz, her son Fred (Mersena) Olson, daughter Jane (Ed) Huppler, daughter Ann (Eric) Wohlrab, her grandchildren Jim (Lindsay) , Heidi, Yvonne, Jessica, David (Ashley), Kate, Becky, Averion, Mershauna, Imani, Kynedra, Eric Jr. (Janine), Kristin (Karl), Kurt (Julie), Kyle (Tina), and Kathryn (Tony) her great-grandchildren Kameron, Marley, Berkley, Kalista, Lucas, Alex, Logan, Mylin, Reese, Olivia, Ella, Natalie, Carter, Kendell, Carli, Khaylen, Roman, Roland (Kayla), AJ, Marty, Karlie, Meagan, Kurt (Sydney), Lauren, Garrett, Hadley, Fletcher, and Anthony as well as her as well as her great-great grandchildren Russell, Charlie, and Alice.
Helen was preceded in death by her great grandchild Isabelle, her parents Wayne and Helen Shanholtz of Mitchell, SD, and her beloved husband of 50 years, Edward Olson.
Helen’s educational journey began at Mitchell High School and continued at South Dakota State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Music and a Master of Science in English Literature.
Throughout her career, Helen dedicated herself to teaching. She taught music at Brookings Middle School before finding her true calling as an English teacher at Brookings High School.
Helen found solace and joy in her spiritual home at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brookings, South Dakota. She shared her musical talents by playing the organ during church services. After moving to Minnesota, she became active in the local Methodist church.
In her free time, Helen pursued her passion for music as an accomplished piano and organ player. She also expressed her creativity through writing prose and poetry, sharing her life experiences with her loved ones.
Helen cherished the summers spent with her family at the lake near Walker, Minnesota.
Helen Lynette Olson will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May her memory live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Please join the family at a memorial service to celebrate Helen’s life on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Delano MN.