Myrtle M. Olson

Myrtle M. Olson, 93, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 29, 2009, in Eventide Lutheran Home, Moorhead.Myrtle Margaret Magnuson was born November 15, 1915, at Driscoll, ND, to Oscar and Anna Westin Magnuson. She became part of a loving, Swedish family, and she learned Swedish as her first language. She graduated from Bismarck High School in 1934, and went to work at the Q & R Clinic in Bismarck. During the war she worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" at Twin City Ordnance in Arden Hills, MN. She returned to Fargo and worked at Dakota Clinic. She met Corrin G. Olson and they were married on November 25, 1950, in St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Fargo. They made their home in Moorhead, where, while refurbishing the home they acquired in the point neighborhood where the Hjemkomst stands now her love of gardening blossomed. They built their dream home in north Moorhead in 1961, where she enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She had a talent for wonderful meals and elegant dinner parties and holiday dinners, as well as entertaining outdoors in her beautifully tended yard. She learned to sew at an early age and became very accomplished, whipping up outfits for her daughters and their dolls. Myrtle worked in the alterations department at Herbst Department Store in Fargo, until she was recruited by Dayton's. She helped open the Fargo Dayton's store in 1973 and was the head of the alterations department there for many years until retiring. In retirement she and Corrin enjoyed traveling and meeting new friends, spending their winters in Arizona. She loved her church, St. Mark's, where she was proud to be a part of the Altar Guild for many years. A favorite activity was shopping with her girls, Judy and Candy. Her grandchildren Kelly, Anne and Steven were her pride and joy. Her husband, Corrin died on March 20, 2009. Throughout her last days Myrtle displayed a positive attitude that was remarkable. She was thankful, appreciative, gracious and joyful, speaking loving words to all she encountered. Myrtle's family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Eventide Lutheran Home and all the friends she had while she was there.She is survived by her daughters, Judy Jim Olson, Moorhead, MN, and Candace Steven Mathiowetz formerly Richards, Dilworth, MN; grandchildren, Kelly Richards, Anne Margaret Olson, and Steven Olson; brother, Helmer Magnuson, Bismarck, ND. She was preceded in death by her husband, Corrin; a sister, Ida Hoge; and a brother, George Magnuson.