Margaret "Muggs" T. Olson

The family of Margaret Thelma Ree Olson celebrates her life of 106 years. Margaret “Muggs” Olson died at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls, MN on June 21, 2025. Margaret was the youngest of ten children born in Clarkfield MN to her parents, Anna Tomine (Gunderson) and Henry Evensen Ree of Hanley Falls, MN. The families of her parents immigrated here from Norway and Margaret spoke Norwegian as a child. She retained just enough of the language to recite The Lord’s Prayer for her grandchildren, well up into her 90’s. She was predeceased by her husband, Cecil Olson. They made their home near Malmo, MN. There they raised four children; Gaylon Olson (wife Evelyn) of Little Falls, Marilyn Zuleger (husband Ed) in Arizona, James Olson (deceased) and wife Kitty Tepley of Staples, Mark Olson (wife Beth) of Rice, and they fostered two children; George Tibbetts of Preston MN and Linda Tibbetts Amundsen (husband Marv) of McGregor. From these 6 children, she became the proud Grandmother of 51 total Grandchildren, including 16 Great-Great-Grandchildren. In 2010, Margaret moved to Little Falls where she lived at the Alverna Apartments for over 10 years. There she took up a variety of hobbies to help her pass the time and to “stay sharp.” She had a keen interest in any new technology and never hesitated to learn new things. When she received a Kindle at the age of 92 she learned how to use it and worked on her games and puzzles every day. She knitted, crocheted, and created beautifully detailed miniature cabins, wagons, and other objects out of wood, pebbles, and materials she might find useful. She worked on larger-scale building projects with her son Gaylon. Their replica of The Darling Church was completed just one week before that local landmark burned in 2017. She enjoyed a large celebration in honor of her 100th birthday where she said these were the best years of her life and that she was probably “still good for another year or two!” Most importantly, she was always so grateful for her family. Throughout her long life, Margaret faced every day with optimism and never grumbled or complained, no matter what life might throw her way. She remains an inspiration to her loved ones and will be missed by those who knew her. Heartfelt thanks go out to the staff and caregivers at St. Otto’s for keeping our “Mugsy” so well these last years. Private interment will be in the Malmo Cemetery.

Tributes

Margaret "Muggs" T. Olson

June 17, 1919 - June 21, 2025