Annie Olson

Formerly Gladys Lorraine Olson Milbert.

Annie passed away on January 10, 2025 at the age of 93. She was born in Hawley, MN in 1931 and lived in Pine River, MN, where she graduated High School. Preceded in death by children, Tom and Tim. Survived by children, Kathy, Dan (Mary), Guy (Jill), and John (Kim); many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bruce Backen was her significant other for 35 years and in her last years, her caregiver. Together they enjoyed cabin time at the lake, relaxed at home with their “feline children” and many many varied adventures.

Annie was the Food and Beverage Manager at the Northshore Scenic Railroad in Duluth for many years, which included the infamous “Tea Train”.

She loved sunrises and sunsets, living rustically in the woods, camping trips to the Boundary Waters, gardening, hanging out clothes to dry on the line, reading stacks of newspapers, books, and magazines, and at Christmas going to the Mindckirken Church in Mpls for their Norwegian Service and Ingebretsens Gift Shop. In Duluth she attended the lutefisk and lefsa dinner at First Lutheran every year.

Annie grew up on a farm with her father, Gilbert; mother, Mabel; brother, Morris; and sister, Carol Ann. She loved all their animals, especially the chickens and her three legged dog, Jack and countless kittens. She remained in touch with her friend down the road, Delores, all their lives and stayed connected to her family.

A Graveside Rite of Committal will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 3:30pm at St. Margarets Cemetery in Minnetonka. Fr Paul Hazerstock of St. Gabriel the Archangel will officiate.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555.