JOANN OLSON

Joann Olson, 84, of Babbitt, MN passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023 at Boundary Waters Care

Center where she had been a resident for almost 7 1/2 years.

Joann was born on July 9, 1939 to Joseph and Olive Colt in Duluth, MN. She grew up in Duluth’s Central Hillside with her parents and five siblings. On June 8, 1957, she married Donald Olson from Lakeside with whom they shared 59 years of marriage. They moved to Babbitt, MN where they raised their two children on Hemlock Circle. Joan worked for the City of Babbitt as recreational director for 30 plus years.

Upon retirement she enjoyed cooking, gardening and spending time with friends and family.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald Olson, a brother, John (Jack) Colt, sisters, Elizabeth (Liz) Askelson and Margaret Heffelfinger.

Joann is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Jim) Crawford of Brookhaven, MS; son, Robert (Glenda) Lewis of Booneville, MS; two brothers, Williams (Phyllis) Colt of Proctor, MN and Joseph (Carol) Colt of Scanlon, MN; grandsons, Brandon (Lynn) Crawford of Wesson, MS, Travis Olson of Centerville Arkansas and Bethany (Jay) Ballard of Brookhaven, MS; great grandchildren, Ruth Anne Kehler, Nckinnley Ali Ray Pike, Simmons Ellis Crawford, Walter James Ballard, and Anderson Kate Ballard.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital, Dr. Joseph Bianco and a special thanks to Dr. James Montana. We are eternally grateful to the staff at Boundary Waters Care Center for the past 7 1/2 years who have shown kindness, compassion and love to our mother and grandmother, Joann.

We will be having a Celebration of Life at the Grand Ely Lodge, July 18, 2023 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.

Interment will be Wednesday morning at the Argo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Boundary Waters Care Center, 200 W. Conan Street, Ely, MN 55731

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

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