Jo Anna Olson

Jo Anna Olson, age 84 of Ellendale, Minnesota, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020 at MercyOne North Iowa Hospice, Mason City, Iowa. Jo Anna Simmons was born on November 22, 1935 in Lucerne, Missouri. Joanna graduated from Mason City High School in 1954, and then met Jimmie Olson in Hollandale, Minnesota, at the Jones Factory Potato Plant. The two later married on October 15, 1955, at the Danish Lutheran Church in rural Ellendale, Minnesota. Following their marriage, Jo Anna took on the role as a farm wife, taking wonderful care of the family farm. Jo Anna was an extremely dedicated mother, taking excellent care of the kids while at the same time busy cooking her amazing food. She was also known for her many years canning while in the kitchen, and gardening outside on the farm. While taking care of the farm, she showed her love for the animals and pets. She was known as the most welcoming, kind, and caring woman who always put others before herself. She always made time to visit with everyone. Jo Anna also enjoyed writing letters; she especially loved to write her annual Christmas letter. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and an active leader for 4-H for many years. Jo Anna will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Jo Anna is survived by three sons, Jimmie (Jean) Olson of Maple Grove, MN; Jeff (Jar Martin) Olson of Owatonna, MN; Jon Olson of Ellendale MN; one daughter, Janice (Jeff) Pederson of Ellendale, MN; three sisters, Donna Gettman of Witchita, KS; Melanie Betels of Clear Lake, IA; Robin (Walter) Hoaglan of Witchita, KS; one sister-in-law, Marian Uptadel of Owatonna, MN; seven grandchildren, Jake, Mitch, Molly, Jenna, Josh, Nate (Iilee) and Tyler (Kelsey); and 4 great-grandchildren, Harper, Sage, Griffin, and Olivia. Jo Anna was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Noble Coddington; her husband, Jimmie; and many brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Interment was held in Geneva Cemetery, Geneva, Minnesota. Worlein Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements.