Lynda Margaret Olson

Lynda Margaret Olson, 80, of Maplewood, Minnesota, passed away on October 16th, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Lynda was born on July 10th, 1946, to Charles & Wanda (Swendsen) King in Pine City, MN, and immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. At age 8, her family moved to the east side of St.Paul. Lynda then went on to graduate from Harding High School in 1964.

She first met the love of her life, Gary Olson, in 5th grade. The two later dated in high school and were inseparable from that point on. Gary served as a Marine in Vietnam and they were married the day after his return. They were stationed for 2 years in San Jose before moving back permanently to Minnesota in 1969.

Lynda made a career at St.Paul Companies/Traveler's for over 30 years as Underwriting Director of Commercial Properties. She was also very proud of being the President of Inland Marine Underwriting Association (IMUA). After retiring, she followed her passion by going back to school and graduated summa cum laude at University of Northwestern with a Bachelor's Degree in Theological and Ministerial Studies. She worked as an Assistant Chaplain at Ecumen sharing her faith, love, and compassion with so many.

Lynda loved to travel and enjoyed the outdoors with her family - camping, hiking, canoeing and kayaking. She and Gary went on many cruises and adventures around the world - but her favorite was spending winters in Florida with Gary, family and friends. She also had a passion for quilting and gifted so many with quilts she lovingly made just for them. Her kitty Ty also brought her so much joy - he followed her everywhere!

Lynda & Gary were married for almost 60 years and had two children, Laura and Erik, and three granddaughters, Liz, Ashley, and Emily. She was so very proud of each of them, and cherished every moment spent with them.

Lynda is survived by her loving husband Gary, her daughter Laura (Chris Darst), her son Erik, her granddaughters Liz Julian, Ashley Darst, and Emily Darst, and her sister Donna Cramer. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Charles King, and several family members and friends now united in heaven.

Lynda's boundless love will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of so many, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

We will be celebrating Lynda's life with a memorial service on Saturday November 7, 2026, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota - visitation at 10:00am, service at 11:00am, and luncheon to follow. The service will be live-streamed at: (www.hosannaforestlake.net/celebration-of-life). (www.muellermemorial.com).