Joyce Mildred Erickson Olson

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Joyce Erickson Olson, who at the age of 90 joined her Father in Heaven on March 13, 2025. Joyce's life was a testament to faith, love, and service, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A steadfast Christian, Joyce found strength and solace in her unwavering faith. Baptized, confirmed, and married in the Lutheran Church, she carried her values into every aspect of her life. A member of Ascension Lutheran Church, she brought encouragement and support to her fellow parishioners, offering her time reading Bible passages, serving communion, and participating in numerous church committees. Guided by this deep faith, Joyce embraced her roles as a wife, mother, and friend with grace and unwavering devotion.

Joyce was blessed with two loving marriages. Her first, to Conrad Erickson, lasted 36 years until his passing in 1989 and brought her two children, Joliene and Steven. In August 2000, she married Vernon "Bill" Olson, sharing 10 wonderful years of companionship, travel, and love within their expanded family. Both of her husbands preceded her in death, and now she joins them in eternal rest.

Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and her greatest joy came from watching it grow. Joyce's daughter Joliene, married to Len Colby, blessed her with two grandchildren, Erin and Kristin, and five great-grandchildren. Although Joliene passed away in November 2012, her memory remained a cherished part of Joyce's life. Joyce's son Steven, married to Laurie Lien, brought her two more grandchildren, Angela and Christopher, and three great-grandchildren. Through her marriage to Vernon, she welcomed four stepchildren, Gaylin and Jane Olson and LaVonne and Tom Admire, as well as their families, expanding her circle of love and joy. Altogether, Joyce's family includes 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy to her life.

A tireless patriot, Joyce dedicated much of her life to advocating for veterans' rights through the American Legion Auxiliary. Countless hours were spent attending meetings and conventions, engaged in program development and answering the call for leadership. She was elected into many positions within the Auxiliary including roles on the local and regional level as well as President of the statewide organization and Vice-President of the NW Division incorporating 7 states in the continental US. Her deep gratitude for those who served their country was evident in her enduring efforts, which left a lasting impact on the lives of many veterans and their families.

Joyce was a woman of many talents, with a flair for handiwork that brought joy to her loved ones. She reveled in travel and delighted others with stories that spanned decades, captivating all who listened.

Her home was a gathering place filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Through her compassion, determination, and boundless generosity, Joyce touched countless lives. As we reflect on her extraordinary journey, we find solace in the love she so generously shared-a love that will live on in the hearts of all.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30PM on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services, with a visitation beginning at 12:00PM. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Cancer Center Memorial, University of Minnesota Foundation P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486 or to the American Legion Auxiliary Memo on check: Joyce Olson Rehab Equipment, ALA Department of Minnesota 20 W 12th Street, Room 314, St. Paul, MN 55155.