Obituary of Rozanne Olson

Rozanne “Rosie” (Wilson) Olson

Rozanne Olson age 87 left this world on August 30, 2024.

Rozanne was born in Newton, Iowa to Clifford and Anna Wilson on October 4, 1936. At age 4 the family moved to Minneapolis. After Graduating from Central High School, Rozanne moved across country to live in the San Diego, California area. It was here that she learned skills, such as typesetting that would form the basis of her career.

In San Diego, Rozanne met Howard Olson, a Marine stationed at Camp Elliott. After returning to Minnesota, they were married on December 20, 1958, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, in Nashua Iowa. They resided in Minneapolis, Mankato and raised a family in Coon Rapids, MN. They were blessed with three daughters: Karen, Julie and Dianne.

Rozanne worked in the printing industry her entire career. In 1977 she partnered with a friend and colleague and together they opened Rapid Graphics, located on 40th and Central in Columbia Heights, MN. Rozanne was an avid reader and as a result opened a used bookstore at the same location as a complement business to the print shop.

After spending more than 30 years in their “starter” house in Coon Rapids, Rozanne and Howard retired to their dream home on Big Lake outside of Richmond, MN. Rozanne loved to sit on the screened-in porch and sip her coffee while listening to the birds. Rozanne enjoyed antiquing and was especially proud of her Royal Daulton “Lady” collection and received tremendous joy at sharing her ladies with everyone that came into her home. She was a very creative person and spent countless hours making crafts and often had a booth at local craft shows featuring themed tee-shirts and tote bags. She is best known in the Richmond area as “Rosie the Soap Lady”. Rosie would make hundreds of bars of soap each year to give to friends, sell at craft shows and local shops.

Rozanne is survived by her children, Karen Skepper, Julie (Duane) Carlson and Dianne (Graig) Gardiner; grandchildren, Kelly Skepper, Jordan Carlson-Premak, Katie Skepper and Amanda Skepper; great-grandchildren, Olivia Skepper, Rebecca Skepper and Caleb Skepper; sister Ruth Holmquist; and cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Howard, parents Clifford and Anna Wilson and brother Richard.

Rozanne will be remembered for her love of family and welcoming people into her kitchen to have a cup of coffee and chat.

Rozanne will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, in a private burial service for family and close friends on Monday September 23, 2024, at 11:30am. Rozanne will once again be in the arms of her husband Howard.

Our hearts have been warmed by the many acts of kindness extended to our family. Your prayers and expressions of love and sympathy are greatly appreciated.