Kirsten Olson

Kirsten Ruth Peterson Olson, 67, of Deerwood, MN, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 25, 2024. Her passing followed a brief yet courageous struggle with a rare cancer.

A visitation will be on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd, from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11 am, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to service for a visitation. 

The third of six children, Kirsten was born April 17, 1957 to the Rev. Donald Peterson and Esther Allen Peterson in Minneapolis, MN. Being the daughter of a Lutheran pastor, Kirsten’s personality exemplified the same grace-filled tone. She had the innate ability to see the best in everything and everyone. Growing up, she lived in several settings including Fairdale and Harvey, ND, and Chicago, IL, before moving to Karlstad, MN, when she was a sophomore in high school. It was there where Kirsten met the love of her life, Keith Olson, in 1973. Kirsten attended Concordia College in Moorhead before joining Keith at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Keith and Kirsten were married in December 1978. Not long after, the pair accepted jobs in the Brainerd lakes area where they welcomed and raised three children: Kate, Luke, and Andrew. 

Kirsten taught in the secondary level of Crosby-Ironton schools for 20 years, being honored as Teacher of the Year in 1983. She moved to Brainerd schools and spent the next 16 years at Garfield Elementary. She was committed to staying up-to-date with the latest teaching methods, which included a master’s degree in education. Kirsten constantly advocated for students with special needs and had a passion for training other teachers. She concluded her career at Baxter Elementary as lead special education teacher.

In retirement, Keith and Kirsten sold their family home in Brainerd, renovated their cabin on Bay Lake in Deerwood, MN, and embraced full-time lake life. Watching sunsets over the water was Kirsten’s favorite way to end the day. Retirement also allowed for more time with her seven grandchildren. A kid at heart, spending time with them was a huge source of joy and often involved crafts, bubbles, and baking. She loved traveling with family and friends, especially to Florida, Arizona, and Madeline Island.

Kirsten devoted her life to serving her community and loved ones. She sang with the worship team, directed the children’s choir, and served on various boards and committees at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brainerd. She fully embraced life, unconditionally welcomed others, and delighted in simple joys such as gardening, walking, and kayaking. She welcomed the informal role of social director at their Bay Lake place during retirement.

Kirsten is survived by her husband, Keith; daughter Kate (Matt) Penz of Rochester, MN, grandchildren Sophie, Lucy, Ella, and Annie; son Luke (Andrea) of Plymouth, MN, grandchildren Claire and Leah; and son Andrew (Marlee) of Blaine, MN, grandson Noah. Other family include her mother, Esther Peterson, of Battle Lake, MN; siblings Mary Olson (Tony Crimes) of Jacksonville, FL; Donald Peterson II of Eagle Bend, MN; Deborah (Chuck) Rasmussen of Long Prairie, MN; Heidi (Mike) Genereux of Wahpeton, ND; Paul (Dana) Peterson of Erhard, MN; sister-in-law, Jodie (Gregory) Olson of Karlstad. She was beloved to many nieces, nephews, and family members.

Kirsten is welcomed to heaven by her father, the Rev. Donald Peterson, and mother and father-in-law, Doris and Wallace Olson.

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