Gwendolyn (Gwen) Jean Olson

A memorial service for Gwendolyn (Gwen) Olson, will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, beginning at 12:00 p.m. A public visitation will be held at church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery following the memorial service. A luncheon will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church following the graveside service. 

Gwendolyn Jean Fuhrmann Olson passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Hospice of Murray County House in Slayton, MN on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at the age of 92. 

She was born on November 4, 1931 to Erich and Christina (Ahlschlager) Fuhrmann. She grew up on farms located between Florence and Balaton, MN. Gwen attended country school at Twin Lakes and graduated from Balaton High School in 1949. Gwen was united in marriage to Vincent Dale Olson on January 20, 1952 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Balaton, MN. They made their home in Balaton and had two daughters: Jean Marie and Karla Rae. Their daughter, Karla, lost her battle with asthma on April 2, 1968. 

Gwen was a homemaker and also worked at Ray’s Plumbing and Heating as a Book Keeper. Later she worked at the Balaton Liquor Store until her retirement. Gwen and Vinnie spent their retirement gardening, fishing and traveling. Vinnie passed away on February 13, 1998. Gwen continued to live in their home until January 2012 when she moved to Lakeview Senior Housing in Balaton. June of 2023, Gwen moved to Hospice of Murray County in Slayton, MN following a stroke. 

Gwen had a strong faith in God and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton. She was involved in Ladies Aid, the Quilting Group, and delivered Meals on Wheels. She also belonged to a Neighborhood Birthday Club. Gwen enjoyed spending time with family, taking care of her flowers, going on walks and trips to the casino.

Gwen is survived by her daughter Jean (Russell) Bonnstetter; grandsons Mark (Ruth) Bonnstetter and Chad Bonnstetter; great-grandchildren Anna Bonnstetter (Fiance Jacob Glazier), Brenna (Vladimir) Ross, Alex (Courtney) Bonnstetter, Mitchell (Mariah) Bonnstetter; step-great-grandson Zachary Ostman; great-great-grandchildren Isla Jean and Ava Mae Bonnstetter; brother Norman Fuhrmann; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  

She is preceded in death by her parents Erich and Christina Fuhrmann,; husband Vincent Olson; daughter Karla Rae Olson; infant twin brother Gordon Fuhrmann, brother Edward (Evonne) Fuhrmann, sisters Vivian (Andrew) Olson, Dona (Bob) Fuerstenberg; sister-in-law Bonita Fuhrmann; niece Ellyn Quiring and nephew Leroy Olson. 

Blessed be her memory.