Darlene Joan Olson of Cloquet, MN has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved her.
Here is a glimpse of the life she lived, in her family's own remembrance.
There is no greater gift than the one a parent gives by simply being present.
Darlene Joan (Anderson) Olson, age 85, formerly of Brookston, MN, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Plainview Estates Assisted Living in Cloquet, MN.Darlene Anderson was born on September 19, 1940, in Cloquet, MN, the daughter of the late Herbert and Ragnhild (Arntson) Anderson. She was raised in Scanlon, MN, and graduated from Cloquet High School. On July 25, 1959, she was married to Carl “Bucky” Olson and they made their home in Brookston, MN. She worked for over 35 years as a teacher’s aide for the Brookston and later AlBrook School Districts. She was an avid music lover, especially Elvis, and enjoyed dancing at all the local establishments. She was greatly involved in Brookston and served on the city council and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed attending all her children’s and grandchildren’s events and always looked forward to the summer cabin adventures with the whole family and her Snoop Sisters.Darlene is survived by her children, Lori (Wally) Williams, Sara (Jeff) Montgomery, Mike (Kelly) Olson, and Tara (Dale) Graves; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and sister, Kathy Zack; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl “Bucky” Olson; son, Mark Olson; parents, Herbert and Ragnhild Anderson; and sister, Julie Hudacek.The family of Darlene would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Plainview Estates and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion for Darlene and the family over this time.Funeral service for Darlene will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Atkins Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet, MN, with a time for visitation 1 hour before the service. Interment will be at Culver Cemetery in Culver, MN, later that afternoon.
