Esther Olson

Esther Lee Olson

Age 85, of North Oaks, passed away peacefully July 11, 2025 in New Brighton, MN. She was born March 18, 1940 in Dallas, WI the daughter of Olaf Gustav and Lillian Elenor Lee and was united in marriage to Hank Olson on January 3, 1959.

Esther started her career as a banker and received her Masters in Education from the University of Minnesota. She became a social studies teacher in North Branch and at Chippewa Middle School in North Oaks. She started two counseling centers as an entrepreneur and leader in a time when women weren't often invited into ministry leadership. As a teaching professor at Bethel University she trained educators with her knowledge, experience and heart for learning. She loved to travel and was invited to speak and preach in the US, Canada and Europe. Even later in life when she became disabled she didn't stop caring for people and making a difference in their lives. She was a great friend and mentor who helped many through her great compassion and empathy for those in need. She will be greatly missed by all of us.

Preceded in death by parents, Olaf and Lillian Lee; son, Kevin L. Olson; brothers, Bernard Lee and Olaf Larry Lee; sisters, Joanne Thompson and Barbara Titus

She will be greatly missed by husband Hank Olson; son, Bernard (Annie) Olson; granddaughter Kailin (Tyler) Jensen; grandson, Caleb Olson; granddaughter, Briella Olson; and five cherished great-grandchildren, Lilah, Zoey, Tyler Jr., Cooper, and Lucy.

She is also survived by brothers, Ken (Gloria) Lee and Bob (Sue) Lee and many nieces and nephews who have been blessed by the loving compassion of Auntie Esther. Many friends and other family members have stories to share of how their lives have been enriched by Esther. 

The family would like to thank Caleb Olson for his loyal and compassionate care for Esther through the challenges of the last year. A special thank you to Sondra Thompson and Beth Ann Wenrich for the caregiving support and love they provided to Esther along the way. An additional thank you to everyone at New Brighton Care Center and Grace Hospice for the incredible care they provided to Esther, along with the many doctors and nurses who supported her.

A celebration of Esther's life will be held on Wednesday, July 16th at 12:00 PM, with a visitation from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, Minnesota. A luncheon will follow.