Veda Myrtle Olson, 94, of Crookston, MN, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at the Benedictine Living Center, Crookston (Villa St. Vincent) with family at her side. 
Veda was born at Washington, IA on March 19, 1926, the 10th of 13 children born to the union of Everett and Nellie (Byrn) Taylor. The family later came to Crookston where Veda attended Crookston schools, graduating from Central High School as a member of the Class of 1945. While in school she worked as a carhop at The Barrel. After graduation she became a legal secretary in the law office of well-known Crookston attorney, John Padden. On October 28, 1948 Veda was united in marriage to the love of her life, Phillip Martin Olson, at the Mission Covenant Church in Crookston, with the ceremony performed by Pastor Molander. In the coming years Phil and Veda would be blessed by the births of 2 wonderful sons, Larry and Chuck, who were raised in a very loving home. Veda continued working with John Padden as his law firm expanded to include additional partners and became known as Padden, Dickel, Johannson, Wall, Taylor, and Rust. After a long and successful 46 year tenure in the law office Veda retired in 1991. Phillip continued in his business, Olson Barber Shop, until retiring in 2011.
Veda and Phil loved spending time together, and while courting some of their earliest dates included roller-skating at the old sports arena, or going to dances at the Elks Lodge. As the years went by their mutual love for fishing resulted in many hours spent making memories while they fished for trout at Bad Medicine Lake. Spending time with Larry and his family, and Chuck, was something they always treasured, and the boys remained their best friends throughout life. Veda enjoyed flower gardening but as her health began to decline she would watch as Phil continued landscaping their lawn and gardens. Remaining by his side, she provided support, encouragement, and the ‘occasional bit of advice.’ They were truly meant for each other and it was very sad for her and the boys when Phil passed away on January 2, 2018. Grief came to call again this past March 5, 2020, when Chuck passed away after bravely battling cancer for several months.
Veda and Phil were devoted members of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school for several years, and was active in WELCA. She was a charter and life member of Eagles Auxiliary 873, and additionally held life membership in VFW Auxiliary Post 1902, and membership in American Legion Auxiliary Post 20. Her most treasured roles in life were with her to her last breath as a loving, and much loved, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, co-worker, and neighbor.
Veda is lovingly survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and LouAnne Olson of Crookston, MN; 3 grandchildren: Matt Olson and Paul Olson of Isanti, MN, and Lisa Cole and husband, Michael, of Crookston; 7 great-grandchildren: Michaella Johnson, Joslynn and Jace Olson, Madisyn, Caden, and Brittyn Sanders, and Owen Cole; sister, Genevieve Brule of Crookston; and nieces and nephews. In addition to Phil, her soul-mate and best friend of 69 years, and their beloved son, Chuck, Veda was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Nellie Taylor; and siblings: Estol “Pat” (Agnes) Taylor, Jess (Emerald) Taylor, Earl (Florence) Taylor, Pearly (Violet) Taylor, Inez (Ralph) Mercy, Floyd (Lorraine) Taylor, Mary (Emmett) LeDoux, Arthur Taylor, Ruth (Kenneth) Sewill, Hazel (Jess) Andringa, brother-in-law, Clarence “Classy” Brule, and Lois (John) Twedell. May God richly bless the memory of Veda Myrtle Olson.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Veda Olson will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021, in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the funeral and inurnment will follow in the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston. The service will be livestreamed by logging on to www.stenshoelhouske.com, going to the bottom of Veda’s obituary page and clicking on the prompt to view the funeral. Please enter the Church from the parking lot entrance.
Online registry and messages of condolence may be made at www.stenshoelhouske.com
