Susan Mae Olson, age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Heather's House in Fargo, surrounded by her loving family. Throughout her life, Susan dedicated herself to serving others through public health nursing, community involvement, and a steadfast commitment to her faith and family. Her compassion, intelligence, and leadership touched countless lives across northwest Minnesota and beyond.

Susan was born on December 16, 1941, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to William Edward and Lovella Tobia (Welde) Bentzinger. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. She graduated from Washington Senior High School in 1959 before attending Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1966. Susan later completed graduate coursework in psychology and statistics at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, further strengthening her commitment to evidence-based public health and community wellness.

Susan's nursing career began in 1966 with the Anoka County Nursing Service. She went on to serve as a public health nurse in Minnesota, Ohio, and Colorado, providing home health care, school nursing, well-child services, women's health care, and outreach to underserved families. During the summers of 1966 and 1967, she served as a Migrant Health Nurse with the Minnesota Department of Health in Kittson and Polk Counties. She also taught nursing students at the Crookston School of Practical Nursing while assisting with patient care at Bethesda Hospital.

While working in Crookston during the summers of 1966 and 1967, Susan subleased an apartment from a young man named Stephen Olson. What began as a simple connection soon blossomed into a lifelong partnership. On August 21, 1968, Susan married Stephen J. Olson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

As Stephen completed his doctoral studies and Susan continued graduate coursework at the University of Northern Colorado, they joyfully adopted their daughter, Sarah, in 1975. In 1977, Susan and Stephen returned to northwest Minnesota, where they farmed, worked, and built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

In 1978, Susan became Director of the Inter-County Nursing Service in Thief River Falls, a position she held until her retirement. Under her leadership, the organization expanded and strengthened family health, disease prevention, health promotion, home health care, and rural health initiatives throughout the region. Her tireless advocacy for public health left a lasting legacy in the communities she served.

Faith was central to Susan's life. At St. Joseph Catholic Church, she served on the Parish Council, Finance Council, Education Committee, and RENEW program. She was actively involved in Eucharistic ministry, religious education, and numerous parish initiatives. Susan also gave generously of her time through volunteer work with the parish school, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Hillcrest Auxiliary.

Above all, Susan cherished her family. She found great joy in watching her daughter and grandson grow and was especially proud of the family they built. Her warmth, wisdom, gentle encouragement, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Susan is survived by her daughter, Sarah (Aaron) Talle of Fargo; her grandson, Riley (Alona Morenets) Olson of Fargo; her brother, William (Bev) Bentzinger of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; her niece, Megan (Allan) Janus, and their children Mark, Ashlyn, and Ethan; her nephews, Ian (Kayli) Bentzinger, and their daughter Alayna Shanahan, and Alayna's children, Dalaiyha Shanahan and Kartyr Hudecek; Andrew Elias and Ali Ries; along with many other relatives, friends, former colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched through her years of service and care.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen J. Olson; her parents, William and Lovella Bentzinger; and her parents-in-law.

Susan's family is grateful for the compassionate care she received during her final days and for the many friendships and relationships that enriched her life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 2, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Chuck Huck officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Red Lake Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass on Monday.

Blessed be her memory.