Karen Lee Olson, 68, of Caledonia, died Monday Aug. 3, 2009, in Rochester, after a lengthy illness.
She was born July 6, 1941, in Austin, to John and Hope (Snell) Buringa.
She married Larry Norman Olson on April 16, 1960, in Northwood, Iowa. They had three children: Terry Olson of Nederland, Colo., Scott Olson and Stacy Hughes both of Longmont, Colo.
The family moved to Longmont in 1973 where Karen worked for Boulder County Mental Health Center until her retirement in 2001. She returned to Minnesota in 2006 and resided there until her death.
She loved the bright energy of her grandchildren and enjoyed her many arts and crafts hobbies. If she was not playing cards with friends or family, you could find here enjoying her passion for reading. She was also known for her large doll collection.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband. She is survived by her children; two grandchildren: Keshia Hughes of Longmont and Aric Olson of Nederland; her siblings: Rick Buringa of Longmont, Kathy Mueske of Rochester, Jan Fontaine of Helena, Mont., and David Buringa of Minneapolis.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday at the Longmont Moose Lodge, 2200 Pratt Street, Colo., at 10 a.m.
Condolences can be sent to PO Box 871, Nederland, CO, 80466.