Jean Marie Olson, 91, passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on August 9, 2026, at CHI St. Alexius Health, with her two daughters at her bedside. In the hours leading up to her passing, she spent precious time with family members. She shared loving thoughts with each person, holding close in her heart not only those who were with her, but also the family members who could not be there in person. Her life was a beautiful reflection of faith, love, kindness, and gratitude.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Thursday, August 13, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 1919 N 2nd St, Bismarck, ND. To view the service livestream please click on the link provided ~ Jean Marie Olson

Visitation will be held from 5:30-7pm on Wednesday, August 12, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A vigil service will begin at 7pm.

Burial will be held at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Jean was born in Moorhead, Minnesota, to Georgia "Dodie" Wambach and Arthur "Archie" Wambach. She and her younger sister, Carol, were raised in Georgetown and Campbell, Minnesota. Because of their mother's fragile health, Jean lovingly embraced the role of caregiver to Carol from an early age, creating a lifelong bond between the sisters.

After graduating from high school in Moorhead, Jean met her husband-to-be, Richard "Dick" Olson, at a dance in Halstad, Minnesota. Jean and Dick found happiness in life's simple moments. They frequently surprised one another with an "NT"—a "Nice Thing"—whether it was a Nut Goodie candy bar, a flower, or a handwritten note. It was never about the gift itself, but the message behind it: just because I love you. Their daughters lovingly carried on that tradition.

Dick's service in the United States Army took them on many adventures together, living in Fort Knox, Kentucky; Amberg, Germany; Fort Meade and Baltimore, Maryland; Minot; Grand Forks; and eventually Bismarck, where they made their home.

Jean often said she became exactly what she had always wanted to be—a wife and mother. Nothing brought her greater joy than her four children: Julie, Michael, Jeffrey, and Jill. Family was the center of her world.

Once her children were grown, Jean began a 23-year career at Herberger’s. She loved meeting people and helping customers, especially in the fragrance department. Her enthusiasm and talent earned her a company-sponsored trip for two to Las Vegas. She and Dick delighted in every moment, and were treated like royalty.

Jean embraced life with joy. She enjoyed golfing at Apple Creek, playing bridge, serving as a hostess during the Miss North Dakota Pageant, and gathering over coffee with dear friends. She cherished friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her travels took her to Las Vegas—where she "almost saw Elvis" (long story)—as well as Florida, Arizona, London, Paris, Spain, Africa, and Hawaii. More than any destination, however, home was her favorite place to be.

Jean's faith was the foundation of her life. She prayed the Rosary daily and had a deep devotion to Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She prayed fervently for all of her family, believing wholeheartedly in the power of prayer. Her family often says that her prayers truly moved mountains.

Jean possessed a rare combination of warmth, humor, and grace. She was full of mischief and magic—the kind of person who instantly made others feel loved. Even during hospital stays, nurses and physicians were drawn to her kindness and genuine appreciation for everyone who cared for her.

Among her greatest joys were the Saturday outings she shared with her daughters—and sometimes, grandchildren. Saturdays became affectionately known as "Sacred Saturdays." They were beautifully ordinary days spent shopping, visiting, laughing, sharing lunch, and ending with a sip at Stonehome or The Bistro. She also treasured girls' trips with her sister, daughters, and granddaughters to craft shows, a bucket-list trip to New York City, and fall girls’ trips to a cabin in Minnesota. She shared especially close relationships with her sisters-in-law, Rita and Pru, and her brother-in-law, Ron.

Holidays were Jean's specialty, and Christmas was her favorite. Her Christmas Eve open house welcomed friends with warmth and hospitality. For months she baked everyone's favorite treats, delighting in the joy of giving. She especially cherished celebrating Midnight Mass at Corpus Christi. Silent Night always filled her heart with peace.

Jean delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She celebrated every accomplishment, but what made her most proud was the people they had become—their kindness, their character, and their faith. Family was blessed to experience her prayers in action. She loved deeply, generously, and without condition.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Olson; her cherished sons, Michael and Jeffrey; parents, Arthur and Georgia Wambach; sister, Carol Bodine; brother-in-law, Kenneth Olson; and parents-in-law, Sammy and Rex Olson.

She leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her love: her daughters, Julie (Gary) Aman and Jill (Thomas) Ackerman; grandchildren Matthew (Lexie) Schaefer, Jordan (Laura) Schaefer, Halli (Marco) Curzio, Hanna Ackerman, and Hunter Ackerman; great-grandchildren Zak, Lincoln, James, Jaxon, and Leo Curzio; brother-in-law Ron Bodine; sisters-in-law Rita (Steve) Sanders and Pru Olson.

Jean's family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery for their faithful prayers. They are also deeply thankful for the compassionate care she received from Dr. Andrew Knudsen and his nurse, Ashley; Dr. Matt Hamar and his nurse, Nancy; Dr. Nicholas Bradbury and his nursing staff; and the many caregivers at CHI St. Alexius Health. As Jean often told them, “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

Though our hearts ache with her absence, we find comfort in knowing that Jean is now at peace, reunited with Dick, Michael, Jeffrey, and the many family members and friends she loved so dearly. Her legacy of faith, unconditional love, generosity, and joyful living will continue to bless all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Special thanks to Sister Ivo Schoch and Father John Paul Gardner for their friendship and prayerful support.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.