Winnifred Alice Olson

Winnifred A. “Winnie” Olson, 89 of Fort Collins, Colorado formerly of Devils Lake, ND died on Monday, February 14, 2005 at the Columbine East Care Center in Fort Collins. Committal Services for Winnie will be held on Monday, February 21, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel, Devils Lake immediately followed by interment in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Rev. Harold Ovre, Pastor, St. Olaf Lutheran Church will officiate. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Winnifred Alice Wright was born on December 4, 1915 in Chaseley, ND to Asa and Hazel (Bushnell) Wright. She was one of six children raised in this rural community. She attended schools in Chaseley, Hurdsfield and Minot. On March 17, 1938 she was crowned Alfalfa Queen of Wells County. She related to her family, that on that day she declined a dance with the governor, so that she might have her first dance as queen with new husband, Melvin H. Olson of Drake, ND. In 1942, the family moved to Devils Lake where they remained for over 55 years. Winnie was employed as bookkeeper for the Grand Forks Hide and Fur Company for most of her working life. She was deeply committed to family and nurturing young people. An active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Winnie taught Sunday School for several years and was active in the women’s circle. She was a resourceful and creative Cub Scout Den Mother, active in Rebekah Lodge, BPW, and board member for the Devils Lake High School Marching Band. Sewing, in which she excelled, was her great love. Whatever Winnie was involved in, it added joy to her busy life. She was a talented and compassionate lady. Melvin died on December 24, 1996. In July of 2001, she relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado to be near family. Winnie was a devoted wife and lovingly supportive mother and will be greatly missed. Winnie is survived by her Eldest son, Wayne Olson of Denton, Texas Daughter: Bonnie Fahrenbruch of Fort Collins, Colorado Five Grandchildren One Great Granddaughter Sisters: Margaret “Peg” Duvall, Malta, Montana Marie Gunn, Mesa, Arizona Rayburn Hansen, Carrington, ND Numerous Nieces and Nephews She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin; youngest son, Dennis; son-in-law, Dr. Richard Fahrenbruch; twin brothers, Lee and Frank Wright;