Janmarie B. Olson

HOLLAND - Janmarie B. OIson, 76, of Holland, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at her residence. 

A memorial visitation will be held from 9:15 a.m. until time of the memorial service 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. Inurnment will be held privately by the family at a later date. Memorials to be made to Kids In Christ (KIC) at American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center.

  Janmarie Olson was born on Feb. 17, 1949, in Decorah, to Kenneth and Virginia Moen. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Locust. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1967 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Luther College. Later she completed her Master’s degree in Reading from Winona State University.

On June 12, 1971, Janmarie married the love of her life, Rocky Olson. They shared 52 years of marriage built on faith, respect, and unconditional love, setting a beautiful example of what marriage should be. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Ryan and Joshua.

Janmarie dedicated her career to teaching and taught numerous children in Wisconsin, Seattle, Washington, and Yuma, Arizona. After more than 30 years in education, she retired from teaching in Arizona. Throughout her career, she taught reading, literature, and music, impacting countless students along the way. She also taught children through Kids in Christ (KIC), sharing her love of learning and faith with young hearts. Her patience, encouragement, and care left a lasting impact on many students and families.

  Her passions were the Minnesota Vikings, reading, and music. She was an accomplished pianist and organist who served many churches and accompanied the Luren Singing Society. She adored her grandson, Evan, and was affectionately known as “Grandma Jan” to many neighborhood children. Her home was always open, filled with baking, crafts, laughter, and what many claimed were the very best chocolate chip cookies.

  She was a faithful member of American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center and an associate member of Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in Decorah. She was a loving, kind, and understanding woman whose life was rooted in compassion, faith, and family. Her legacy of love will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Janmarie was preceded in death by her husband, Rocky Olson. She is survived by her sons, Josh Olson and Ryan Olson (Chaunte Johnson); her grandson, Evan Olson; her sister, Renee Sommerlot (Delvin Sommerlot); her brothers, Larry Moen (Jenn Moen) and Rich Moen (Sharon Moen); her sisters-in-law, Bonnie Olson and Cindy Martin (Duane Martin); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.