The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Bernice Olson, died Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, at her home under the care of Lakeland Hospice and her family.

Bernice Juline Evavold was born on May 19, 1925, in Ashby, the daughter of I.K. and Tilla (Monson) Evavold. She was baptized and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashby and graduated from the Ashby High School in 1943.

Bernice and Edward “Bing” Olson were married on April 15, 1944, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Bing was serving in the Navy and they lived in Pasco, Wash., then in Daytona Beach, Fla.

After his discharge they moved to a farm near Erdahl where they farmed for five years before moving to their farm west of Ashby.

In 1987, they moved to their present home in Ashby.

She was a homemaker, had been a Nurses Aid with the Pelican Lake Nursing Home and taught piano out of her home for many years.

Bernice was a devout Christian who was very active with her church.

Her witness to God was the spiritual foundation of her family, relatives, friends, and community.

Bernice enjoyed her daily devotionals and praying for others. She had been the choir director, organist, taught Sunday School, was involved with WELCA, and was one of the founders of the W.I.N.G.S. program.

She had served as President of the PTA, belonged to St. Olaf Homemakers, and the Birthday Club.

She loved attending many sporting events and liked T.V. game shows. She enjoyed all the times she had with her sisters who were an inspiration to one another.

Her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were such an integral part of her life, enjoying every moment she was given to spend time with them.

She is survived by her beloved husband Edward “Bing” of 68 years; and six children, Terrence Olson of Ashby, Patricia (Jack) Converse of Alexandria, Rodney (Sally) Olson of Glenwood, Brenda (Wayne) Risbrudt and Thomas (Samantha) Olson both of Ashby and Constance Olson of Grand Junction, Colorado; 18 grandchildren, Teresa (Troy) Langlie, Jayme (Randi) Olson, Kelly (Andrea) Olson, Angela (Peter) Grove, Samuel (Christie) Converse, Emily (Brian) Dunham, Sara (Mark) Lee, Kristin Olson, Jeffrey Olson, Abby (Cory) Rodelius, Dana (Joel) Asche, Isaac (Lisa) Risbrudt, Ryan (Darcy) Risbrudt, Andrew Risbrudt, Aaron (Melissa) Olson, Shawna Smith, Echo (Shane) Finkelson and Gage Olson; 34 great-grandchildren; one sister, Louise (Richard) Smith of Andover; one sister-in-law, Marlys Evavold of Sartell and numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, I.K. and Tilla Evavold and by eleven siblings, Bert and Carl Evavold, Julia Boyd, Hilda Bystol, Enoch Evavold, Elsie Larsen, Evelyn Hebeisen, Rosie Melin, Ilene Saunders, Crystal Holmquist and Kenneth Evavold.

Visitation: Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Peace Lutheran Church, and one hour prior to the service

Service: 2 p.m. Sunday, at Peace Lutheran Church, Ashby

Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson

Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Ashby