Obituary of Caryl Joanne Olsen

Caryl Joanne Olsen (age 89) finished her journey in this world on September 3, 2022. She led a full life until her death at Lyngblomstern Health Care in St Paul, MN.

Joanne was born May 31, 1933 as the eldest child of William Slater and Gail Gillihan Slater. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1951 and furthered her studies at UW River Falls.

On August 16, 1958, Joanne married Willard T. Olsen at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St Paul, MN. They eventually set down roots in Baldwin. Joanne was active in the community and taught piano.

After her husband’s death in 1972, Joanne returned to the workforce as the manager at the Baldwin Clinic. At the age of 50, Joanne started a new challenge as the director of the National Association for Gifted Children.

Joanne was involved in the Presbyterian church communities, the Indianhead Federated Library System, and local organizations. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, attending theater and orchestra performances, entertaining, and traveling.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Willard, and her sister Jeannine Uhrig. She is survived by her brother, Bill (Mary Jane) Slater of Hudson; children, Chris Olsen (Christa) of Inver Grove Heights, Molly (Todd) Pederstuen of Chetek, and Jennifer Wade of Oxford; grandchildren, Kayla (Casey) Geraets, Spencer Wade, Emily Wade, Karn Pederstuen, and Konnor Pederstuen; and treasured cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Caryl Joanne Olsen will be laid to rest at the Baldwin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family asks you to consider making a donation to your local libraries or music programs in memory of Joanne.