Funeral services for Carla Anna Olson, 29, formerly of Albert Lea, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dwight Netzer will officiate. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., today, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Carla died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 in California.
Carla Anna Olson was born on April 24, 1979, to David and Colleen (Lund) Olson in Albert Lea. She was baptized June 3, 1979, at First Lutheran Church and was confirmed there on Oct. 9, 1994. Carla attended school in Albert Lea graduating in 1997. She was a good student and excelled especially in Art. She went on to Mankato State University, continuing her education in Art. After that, Carla had various jobs in Albert Lea. She also lived with her sister, Jessica, in Madison, Wis.; working for Pet Smart. The last 6 months of 2002, Carla lived in New York and had many “unique” experiences. After a brief stay back home, she left for Los Angeles and lived there until the present. Carla worked as a receptionist at Cinneville and free-lanced as an Artist/Graphic Designer/Animator. Among other things she did animation for the show “Smallville”. Carla worked with her special friend, Fred Mirahmadi, catering special events around the country and especially enjoyed serving in the Green Room at the Academy Awards. She loved and was a member of AA for several years. Carla had a passion for life and for people. She loved roller-blading along the Los Angeles beaches. Carla loved dogs and cats in a special way. She expressed her thoughts and feelings through her art. Carla was a blessing to everyone and will leave a big void in the lives of all those who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her parents, David Olson and Colleen Olson of Albert Lea; sisters, Kirsten Olson, Jessica (Ben) Conway, Alexia Olson, Rachel Olson and Shannon (Steve) Ostrowski; nieces, Maddie Talamantes and Shannon Conway; nephews, Cash Conway and Joshua Ostrowski; aunts and uncles, Jean Ann Lund, Wayne (Cheryl) Lund, Milt (Barb) Lund, Nancy (Dewey) Mortel, Judy (Bob) Evans and Jane (Doug) Adkins; many cousins and friends.
Carla was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harlan and Doris Olson, Clifford and Mildred Lund; and uncle, Gary Lund.
There will also be a memorial service held at Radford Hall in Los Angeles on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008. Carla’s artwork may be seen at www.designsbycarlaolson.com.