Lorraine Olson

Carol Lorraine Olson was born on August 18, 1929, to Alvin and Lida (Isaacson) Hoime on the family farm near Kenneth, MN. She was born Carol Lorraine, the oldest of seven children. She was baptized on September 8, 1929, and confirmed on August 29, 1943, at Kenneth Lutheran Church. Lorraine received her education in the Kenneth School System, Augustana Academy in Canton, SD, and Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.

She met Bert (“Ippie”) Olson in Kenneth at a free show during the summer of 1949. They fell in love and became engaged on Christmas Eve of 1951. Lorraine and Bert were married on June 29, 1952. They enjoyed a three-week honeymoon to New York, Niagara Falls, and Washington, DC. While in New York City, they were contestants on a new television show called “Break-the-Bank”. Lorraine commented that while they didn’t ‘Break-the-Bank’ they did walk away with $50!

Lorraine began her teaching career in Petersburg, MN, for two years and continued in the Luverne School District for seven more. She later became a homemaker, raising their three children—Pam, David, and Tim. She also served as organist at Grace Lutheran Church as well as enjoying opportunities to substitute teach. Lorraine dedicated her life to the Lord through her God‑given gift and love of music. She retired in 2014 after more than 65 years as organist at Grace Lutheran Church. Bert passed away in 1993, and Lorraine continued to share her love of music by teaching private piano lessons in her home, retiring at age 90.

She was active in many church ministries, including Circle Bible Study, WELCA, and various committees and boards, and she played an instrumental role in worship planning. In the community, she volunteered with the Sanford Hospital Pink Ladies and the VFW Auxiliary. She also enjoyed playing piano and leading singing at the Luverne Veterans Home and the Mary Jane Brown Home. Lorraine was a member of P.E.O and Tourist Club and served on the Sioux Falls Community Concerts Board and the Augustana Alumni Council. Lorraine passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, MN, at the age of 96 years, 11 months and four days. 

Lorraine enjoyed family time, music, concerts, and traveling. The family took numerous trips across the contiguous forty‑eight states and Canada in their camper. Other memorable travels included Hawaii and Norway.

Lorraine is lovingly remembered by her children, Pamela Olson (friend Justin Winter) of Sioux Falls; David (Patti) Olson of Luverne and Timothy (LeAnn) Olson of Jackson; grandchildren, Lindsey (Mike) Gray, Melissa (Blake) Wilcoxon, Kirsten (Jack) Goihl, all of Sioux Falls, Austin (Salome) Olson of Jackson, Carter Olson (friend Emma Marcinek) of Jackson and Christine Wentzlaff of Edina, MN; ten great‑grandchildren; sisters, Eunice Minick of Shrewsbury, PA, Judy (Don) Erickson of Sioux Falls, Marcia (Bruce) Odenbach of Rochester, MN; and her brother Ken (Karen) Hoime of Kenneth, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert; her parents, Alvin and Lida; twin grandsons, Patrick and Preston (sons of Tim and LeAnn) and grandson, Christopher (son of Pamela); sisters, Kathy (Dick) Robinson and Marilyn (Bob) Ode; and brother‑in‑law Robert Minick.

Blessed be her memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne.