Florence Mae Olson

Florence Mae Olson, born on April 27, 1944, in Winnebago, Minnesota, passed away on February 24, 2025, at Mayo Hospital in Mankato, surrounded by loved ones.

Florence Mae Olson

Born April 27, 1944 to Clarence and Anna Willaby, Flo was raised in the Southern Minnesota area and graduated from Albert Lea High School. On September 5, 1964, Flo married her beloved husband, Elard Olson, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Their union brought forth a loving family that included children Tarryl, Steve, Tammy, and Shellby.

Flo became a well-known figure in the Glenville and Albert Lea community through her entrepreneurial spirit, owning and managing multiple restaurants and cafes in the area, including the Glenville Cafe, Kaffee Haus in Albert Lea, and the American Legion posts in both Albert Lea and Glenville. Her love for cooking was evident, creating family favorites such as her famous Pizza Hot Dish, large batches of cookies, and wonderful lefse. In recognition of her culinary skills, she was honored with the title “Hot Dish Heroine” by the Albert Lea Tribune.

Flo was honored to be selected as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Glenville Days parade. She was spirited and social, making many cherished friends over the years with her wit and charm. A long-time member of the First Lutheran Church of Glenville, she cherished her church family and the time she spent in worship and fellowship alongside them. But her greatest joy in life were her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spoiling them and loving every moment they had together.

Flo is survived by her children, Tarryl (Heide) Olson, Steve (Nicole) Olson, Tammy Kalvig, and Shellby (Darin) Finley; grandchildren Samantha (Ben) Kloos, Lillian, Katherine, and Tarryl Olson, Olivia (Dalex Hurley), Lucas and Ella Olson, Cody, Tanner (McKenzie Besco), Marissa Kalvig, and Mason (Chelsey Morrow) and Ethan Choronzy; great-grandchildren, Jonah and Logan Kloos, Alexis, Brantley, and Everly Kalvig, Chloey, Kaleb, and Jaxon Kalvig, Grace Besco, Makayla Pobanz, and Cebastion, Cathleena, and Callahan Rogers; sister, Evelyn Willaby; brothers-in-law Truman and Jim (Leann) Olson; sisters-in-law Karen Willaby, Dianne Willaby, Mary Olson, and Shirley Olson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Elard Olson; parents, Clarence and Anna Willaby; son-in-law Mike Kalvig; brothers, Dennis (Mary), Alvin, Clarence Robert, Duane, and David (Sonia) Willaby; and nephews Bruce, Doug, and Mike Willaby.

To honor Flo’s life, a visitation will be held on March 9, 2025, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services in Albert Lea from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held Monday March 10m 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Glenville beginning 11:00 AM; visitation will begin one hour prior. Flo will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville following services.

Memorials may also be given in honor of Florence to First Lutheran Church, 140 3rd Ave SW, Glenville, MN 56036.