Paula Olson, 69, of Thief River Falls passed away on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Celebration of Life for Paula will be held at noon on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Alex Amiot officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Paula Rae Thompson was born on March 23, 1955 to Waldo and Lois (Loeffler) Thompson in Thief River Falls, MN. She attended school in St. Hilaire from 1st grade through 6th grade and then moved to Thief River Falls at Ben Franklin for 7th through 9th grade. She finished high school at Lincoln High School, graduating in 1974.

After high school, Paula worked numerous jobs in the area. Most of her career was working for Johnson Riverside and Polaris. Paula was a hard-working woman and enjoyed helping people.

Paula was united in marriage to Kevin Olson on January 3, 1978 in Pine City, MN. The couple raised their family in Thief River Falls.

Paula enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, shopping, and spending time with her family and her extended family, especially her grandchildren. Paula also enjoyed dogs and always had one in her lap. She was a devoted grandma and loved attending her grandchildren's activities. She also loved spending time with her friends, especially Sue and Linda.

Paula is survived by her husband, Kevin Olson of Thief River Falls; children, Amy (Kenneth Jr.) Sylskar of Fargo, ND and Travis (Jessica) Olson of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Madelyn, Lee, Morgan, Lara, and Gretta; siblings, Barb (Mike Solsten) Holthusen of Thief River Falls, and Jodi (Robert) Rolland of McKinney, TX; many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Paula is preceded in death by her son, Scott; parents, Waldo and Lois; siblings, Carol Estabrooks and Ellerd Thompson; in-laws, Kenny Olson and Arlene (Otto) Rehm; and many other relatives.