Foley, Minnesota
Maxine Ida Olson, of Foley, passed away peacefully Feb. 26, 2025, at the age of 94. She was born Dec. 31, 1930, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and grew up in Stoddard, Wisconsin.
Maxine worked as a teacher in Wisconsin and later as a substitute teacher in Foley. On Valentines Day, 1955, she married Burton Olson at the Church of Christ in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. They shared a passion for travel and enjoyed many trips abroad, including several working mission trips to Central America. They were married for 48 years.
Maxine left behind a legacy of service to others. She was actively involved in First Presbyterian Church of Foley, where she taught Sunday school, served as an elder and deacon, and joyfully sang in the choir for 45 years. Maxine volunteered at Community Action Respecting Elders for 14 years and served as board chair. She also served on the board of Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity. She helped with the Christians Reaching Out in Social Service Center and Benton County Combined Charities in Foley. The 4-H program was very important to her and her late husband, Burton. Maxine was a local club leader and enjoyed co-leading several foreign exchange trips with 4-H youth. Maxine was honored for a lifetime of service in 2011 by CentraCare with the Spirit of Women Award.
Maxine is preceded in death by husband, Burton Olson in 2003; parents, Leslie and Selma Grabhorn; sisters, Madelle Horton and Shirley Ofstun; four sister-in-laws, and six brother-in-laws.
She is survived by her daughter, Deb (Jarle) Scott; son, Paul (Julie) Olson; grandchildren, Stacia (Gabe) Meyer, Michael (Brandie) Scott, Kristin Olson, Laura (Rob) Olson and Garret Olson; and great-grandchildren, McKayla and Austin Meyer.
The family would like to thank Country Manor staff and St. Croix Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in their final days.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. April 4 at First Presbyterian Church of Foley, 306 Norway Drive, with visitation one hour prior.
Interment to follow at Minnesota Veterans Cemetery, Camp Ripley.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to CARE or the First Presbyterian Church, both in Foley.
F-13-1B
