Olson, Esther Warolin age 98, of Anoka, passed away on April 4, 2022.  Born 1/20/24 to Swedish immigrant farmers Carl and Hilda Johansson Warolin in Foreston, Minnesota, Esther graduated from Milaca HS in 1940.

She was a proud WWII veteran, serving in the Women's Army Air Corps in Paris, where she met future husband Kenneth Paul Olson and began a lifelong friendship with her French-Swedish relatives.  Esther combined raising a family with various careers as a data processor, Anoka County Retired Seniors Volunteer Program coordinator, realtor, developer, and health care office receptionist.  She was a tireless volunteer leader for the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary for decades.

She spent many happy hours at the family cabin on Bay Lake with friends and family.  An excellent cook, baker, seamstress, and artist, Esther loved to entertain and play bridge, 500, and other games with her friends and family.  Known by many as Mormor, she was the last fluent Swedish speaker in her family and was devoted to keeping Swedish traditions, including the annual Christmas lutfisk dinner.  She loved to travel and took each of her grandkids on trips, including to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Nicaragua.  She visited family in Sweden and France, and traveled with friends and family to Tanzania, Mexico, and more.   She was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka for 40 years.

She was preceded in death by husband, Kenny; parents; brother, Harold; sister, Florence and second son, James.  She is survived by beloved children, Kenneth (Roberta), Gail (Stephen Hopkins), Mark (Peggy), and Bev Dehn (Gary); grandchildren, Christopher (Jenny), Carly (Will), Ilse (Omar), Jeff (Emily), Ryan (Lacie), Matt (Lacey), Anders (Beth), Patrick (Carolyn), and Kathryn; 19 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many extended family members.

Celebration of Life Friday, April 22, 10:00 Visitation, 11:00 Service, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 S. 4th Ave., Anoka.  Private interment at Fort Snelling. Esther's family is grateful for the loving care provided by the wonderful staff at Walker Plaza and Allina Hospice.  Memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, or charity of choice.

Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home

Anoka, 763-421-0220

www.thurston-lindberg.com