Blanche Olson, 99, of Fertile, MN, died on Monday, July 9, 2012, at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile. She was born March 8, 1913, to Christ and Emily (Rishof) Sulerud of Gary, MN. She was baptized and later confirmed at the Gary Lutheran Church. Blanche attended District #100 Country School in Strand Township, Norman County. Following her schooling, Blanche helped with household and farm work for her family and neighbors. On September 27, 1941, Blanche was united in marriage to Oliver B. Olson at McIntosh, MN. They lived west of Fertile on a farm till they retired in 1970, and then moved to Fertile. Oliver and Blanche always had their home open to friends and those in need. Oliver died in 1977. Blanche was a long time member of Concordia Lutheran Church, where she was active in the circles, quilting and church choir. She was a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and was given an award for 25 years of service. Blanche was a longtime member of the 4-H program and the adult 4-H leadership program. Blanche loved life. She lived an active life keeping up with all kinds of sports—baseball, volleyball, basketball and wrestling. She had a wonderful flower bed filled with flowers of all kinds. Baking cookies and pies for family and friends, especially neighborhood children, brought joy to Blanche. Volunteering at the nursing home and checking up on friends allowed her to stay involved in caring for those she loved. May God bless the memory of Blanche Olson. Blanche is survived by her son, Byron, Fertile; and daughter, Jeanette (Gary) Renstrom, Kimball, MN; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Byron II (Nikki) Olson, Clear Lake, SD; and their children, Jerra, Cameron, McKenna and Garett Olson; and Andy (Patty) Olson, Red Lake Falls, MN; and their children, Ashtin and Hunter; one brother, Ellsworth (Alta) Sulerud, Fertile; several nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers: Russell, Herbert, and Earl; three sisters: Olive Eid, Mildred Rice, and Muriel Laabs. Pastor Dan Watland, Officiating

Belinda Fjeld, Organist

Congregational Hymns “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” “Amazing Grace” Special Music Elaine Erdahl, Solo “The King Is Coming” Alden Anderson, Solo “The Lord’s Prayer” Elaine and Alden, Duet “Heaven Is My Home”

Pallbearers Ron Bergemann Leon Sulerud John Lehman Byron Olson II Verdell Olson Andy Olson

Honorary Pallbearers All Blanche’s Friends and Relatives

Funeral services will be on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at 10:30 am in the Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN. Visitation will be one hour before the services

Burial will be in the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN