Carole J. (Larson) Olson

Carole Jean Olson, 92, of Burnsville, formerly of Dalbo passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Emerald Crest of Burnsville.

Carole Jean Larson, daughter of Albert and Myrtle Larson, was born December 15, 1932 in Springvale Township, Minnesota. She was the oldest of 7 children. She attended Pine Brook Country school, grades 1–3. When the family moved to Wyanett Township she attended Karmel School, where her grandmother and parents had attended. She graduated from Cambridge High School in 1950. She was good with numbers and worked in accounting in Minneapolis at the Federal Reserve Bank, Pillsbury Mills, Inc. and Minneapolis Moline. Years later after the girls grew up, she worked at various places continuing to use her skills in accounting.

It was at Karmel Covenant Church where her Great Grandparents had been active, that she accepted Jesus as her Savior at 10 years of age at a VBS. Carole's faith grew through Confirmation and “Young Peoples.” 

On October 2, 1954 she married Paul Olson, who she grew up with, at Karmel Covenant Church. They were blessed with 3 daughters: Becky, Beth and Paula and later 3 sons-in-law: Doug, John and Mel. Then 6 precious grandchildren arrived: Sam, Nathaniel, Ted, Emily, Luke and Matthew. Grandchildren are now adding to their families: 2 great granddaughters and a great grandson, with another great grandson due in August. Carole put her heart into caring for her family by cooking, sewing the girls’ clothes, gardening and canning. She loved her family and was so proud of their achievements. The grandchildren and great grandchildren were the Joy of her heart. 

Paul and Carole lived in St. Louis Park for 41 years then moved to Plymouth in 2002. After Paul passed away in 2009, she moved to Bloomington in 2012 to be closer to family.  She was moved to Memory Care at Emerald Crest in Burnsville in 2019. 

Carole loved God and served in many roles at St. Louis Park Evangelical Free Church. She was a leader and then the Coordinator for the Pioneer Girls there as well as on the Missons Board for years.  She and Paul were active at Camp Cherith for many years in multiple capacities.  She and Paul went on a Mission trip to Venezuela and supported many missionaries with hospitality and finances. 

Carole had the gift of hospitality and serving others.  She and Paul dedicated their home to the Lord and opened it for people to come for a visit, coffee and dessert after church, a meal, or even stay for extended periods of time (even living with us for 6 or more months at a time). The door was revolving with many who came and went-being blessed by her generosity. She brought groceries to those in need and wrote letters on airmail paper to missionaries around the world.  We prayed as a family for missionaries as we grew up.  She loved to visit the shut-ins and make them feel special.  

Carole planned numerous family and friend reunions over the years.  One of the most memorable was for the Karmel School in 1970 as the school was going to close the next year. The event was attended by 500 and covered by the Mpls. Star Tribune and KSTP TV. Carole loved to see and hear people enjoying themselves. Carole and Paul bought & restored the farm place she grew up at near the Karmel School.  It has been in the family for 135 years. Their hard work created a gathering place where many memories have been made, and more to come.

She was preceded in death by husband Paul Olson, parents Albert Larson, Myrtle Klos, step-father Edward Klos, brothers Kenny Larson and Larry Larson.

Carole is survived by daughters Becky (Doug) Nelson, Beth (John) Beebe, Paula (Mel) Vander Schaaf;  grandchildren: Sam (Ashley) Beebe, Nathaniel (Alisha) Vander Schaaf, Ted Beebe, Emily (Stephen) Walters, Luke (Fiancé Autumn Gray) Vander Schaaf, and Matthew Vander Schaaf;  great grandchildren Savannah Wren Walters, Cora Joy Beebe, and Isaiah James VanderSchaaf; brothers Dennis (Shirley) Larson, Burt (Betty) Larson, sisters Joan Radeke, Dorothy “Dot,” (Dick) Salogga, sisters-in-law Gail (Larry) Larson, Ellie Rue (Burt's Former wife).

Memorials will be distributed between Camp Cherith, and Emerald Crest Memory Care Center.  Condolences can be sent to Becky Nelson, 10039 James Circle, Bloomington, MN 55431

Funeral Services 11AM, Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Karmel Covenant Church.  Visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment in the church cemetery.

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