Shirley "Sis" Anne Olson

Shirley A. “Sis” Olson age 85 of Detroit Lakes, MN died April 25, 2016 at Ecumen – Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Shirley “Sis” Anne Olson was born to Arthur and Hazel “Toots” Tovson on January 16, 1931 in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was the only girl in a family of four, where she acquired the name Sister or Sis from her three brothers, Dick, Warren, and Curtis “Buzz”. She participated in all activities and sports in school and graduated in 1949 from Detroit Lakes High School. She then attended Hamline University. Sis met the love of her life Maurice “Moe” when they were four years old. They were united in marriage on July 8, 1951 in Detroit Lakes. Duty called them to Alabama shortly after, where Moe served his country during the Korean War. They moved back to Detroit Lakes where they had six children, Mark, Anne, Patti, Susan, Lee and Jane. The family then moved briefly to Long Prairie and settled in Rochester. Sis worked for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Scottsdale, Arizona, where she retired after many years of service. After retirement Sis and Moe became snowbirds, traveling between Scottsdale and Detroit Lakes. Moe passed away in 1998 and she continued to travel between the two states for several years before deciding to stay full time in Minnesota. Sis had a passion for life and was always very active in her churches; First Lutheran in Detroit Lakes and Zumbro Lutheran in Rochester. She taught Sunday School for many years, was active in circle and was a member of the choir, traveling several times to Europe to sing. She loved adventure and traveled all across the states and to several countries, making friends wherever she went. Music, movies, sports, Scrabble, Jeopardy, crossword puzzles, and Bridge were a big part of her life. She was known to be just a “little competitive”. Her schedule revolved around the four bridge groups she was a part of, her twice a week coffee klatch, and of course her beloved Minnesota Twins. You knew when to call her during baseball season just by looking at the Twins schedule. She had a shout out from Dan Gladden on National radio, the entire twins caravan sang happy birthday to her and a special trip to Florida spring training several years ago. Her friends and family were very important to her.  They never hesitated to call because she was known for being there when you needed her most. Sis has fifteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was a great supporter of their sport and school activities, traveling to different  cities just to watch a game, musical, or special award. Gma or Gigi to them, she is loved and gave love unconditionally. Her favorite word was JOY, to her life was a musical comedy and that is how she would like to be remembered. She will be deeply missed and always in our hearts.