Laurie Beth Olson

Laurie Beth Johanson Olson was born March 16, 1948, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the second child of Maurice and Inez Fevold Johanson. Although she wore many hats in life—teacher, entrepreneur, coach, volunteer, friend—Laurie’s most cherished role was that of mother, grandmother and wife. To put it simply, family was everything to her.

After a nearly eight-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease that eventually robbed her of the ability to speak, she still found the strength to let her family know she felt their presence—and returned their love—with a hand squeeze. Surrounded by her devoted husband of 54 years, their three sons and her sister and brother-in-law, she died on August 3, 2024, at Elk Run Assisted Living in Evergreen, Colorado. She was 76.

Laurie grew up in Badger, Iowa. She graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1966 and attended Iowa State University, where she earned a degree in elementary education in 1970. It was there that she met Howard “Skip” Olson II on a blind date in 1969. They were engaged on January 11, 1970 (their first son, Ian, was born on that same date, four years later) and married on March 6, 1970, at Badger Lutheran Church.

Skip enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in September 1970, and the newlyweds lived briefly in Indianapolis before he was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, near Petersburg, where they remained until Skip’s discharge in May 1974. In Virginia, Laurie taught first grade and took immense pride in developing the lives of children, often sharing how much she loved being with “her kids.” The family moved between Marshalltown, Iowa, and Plano, Texas, before settling in Evergreen in 1994.

Laurie was the co-founder and owner of Whimsical Wicks, a decorative candle business, and worked as a sales representative for Chinook Sales Associates, a home furnishing manufacturer’s rep. She served as president of Drive Smart Evergreen/Conifer, coached the Evergreen High School pom squad, and produced two inspirational booklets: "Jump Starts" and Angel Starts."

An avid hiker and golfer (sure, she took a mulligan here or there, but that was part of the fun), she loved being outdoors and could name every wildflower on the trail. She was a competitive card player, displaying a legendary bluff game during countless hands of Black Queen, Bridge and Pepper. Just when you thought you had her beat at Scrabble or Rummikub, she’d unveil her strategy, laying down her tiles in one fell swoop to claim victory.

She enjoyed reading, crocheting (her hand-stitched Christmas stockings are treasured) and doing crossword puzzles. She decorated the entire house for every holiday, her nails were always painted, and her favorite flowers were daisies. On Friday evenings, you could find Laurie sitting with Skip on the porch in warm weather or in front of the fireplace in winter, listening to Three Dog Night and enjoying a summer shandy or glass of red wine.

Laurie was also a wonderful cook. Staying true to her Scandinavian roots, she mastered making kringla, krumkake and lefse. Her grandchildren swear world peace could be achieved over a few bites of her special pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Laurie wore her heart on her sleeve and wasn’t the least bit embarrassed to shed a tear during a commercial or to full-out sob while watching her favorite movie, “The Sound of Music.” At last count, she had seen it 36 times. Her favorite song was “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis, and, as a member of the Church of the Cross in Evergreen, her favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”)

It was obvious that Laurie was outwardly beautiful. Blessed with the softest, prettiest blonde hair and bright blue eyes, she was often noted for her striking good looks. But it was her heart and selflessness that truly made her shine.

She didn’t care much for baseball but happily sat in the stands reading a book while her sons and husband cheered on the Texas Rangers. The teacher in her made her the perfect playmate for her grandchildren, and she never tired of playing “school” with them, singing “Jesus Loves Me,” or reciting “Five Little Pumpkins” approximately 500 times in a row. She volunteered for various causes and charities throughout her life.

In addition to her sister, who was her best friend, she was extremely close to Mary Smith of Evergreen, Susan Mitchell (friend and business partner, who died in 2003), Donna Mayton (whom she taught with in Virginia), and several of her Alpha Chi Omega sorority sisters. Sue Peterson (who died in July 2024), Nancy Mullen and Patty Bowman were dear friends for more than 50 years.

Kind, positive, patient, fun-loving and caring, Laurie’s spirit will live on through all who knew her. As her favorite song lyrics express, “I’m gonna love you forever. Forever and ever, amen.”

Laurie was predeceased by her parents and in-laws, Howard and Virginia Olson, brother-in-law Eric Olson, and nephew Brent Danielson. She is survived by her children Ian (wife Lesley Kennedy), Christopher (wife Kimberley) and Eric (wife Sara); seven grandchildren (Grace, Anna, Brooke, Whitney, Charlotte, Troy and Virginia); sister, Anne Johanson Danielson (husband Vern); brother, Steve Johanson (wife Kathy); sister-in-law, Karen Hux (husband Alan); six nieces and nephews, 13 great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece.

A celebration of life will be held September 7 at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Cross, Evergreen, Colorado. In memory of Laurie, donations may be made to Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice.