Doretta Olson

Doretta Olson, 87, (formerly of Donaldson, MN) passed away peacefully with family by her side, Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Eventide, Fargo, ND. Doretta was born November 11, 1937 the oldest of eight children to Jake W. and Lea (Hins) Hofmann in Medina, ND. She attended school there and worked alongside her parents on the farm and helped raise her younger siblings. She also worked various waitressing jobs in the area and that is where she met, James Olson. They were married November 26, 1960 in Medina, ND. They then moved to Donaldson from then until September 2018 when they moved to New York Mills, MN to be closer to their four daughters. After James passing in 2020, she moved to Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth until December 2024 when she went to Eventide, Fargo due to a fall and broken hip.

Doretta worked various waitressing, bartending (Nordic Korner and The Bear’s Den) and most importantly became a Postmaster for Donaldson for 30 years until her retirement in September of 2012. She thoroughly loved meeting and visiting with all kinds of people. She was known for her compassion, quick wit, hugs and her handwritten cards and letters she sent to all that knew her. She also loved playing cards especially “Ramona’s Rummy”.

She is survived by her four daughters, Lea (Jerry) Oswald of Fergus Falls, MN, Julie (Gary) Spilde of Perham, MN, Lorrie Lorentz and Jami (Mitch) Kolrud both of Fargo; eight grandchildren that were the light of her life, Kassandra Draves, Lukas (Krystal) and Markas (Ashley) Dahl; Alexas (Garrett) Shelley; Mitchell and Madelyne Oswald, Cole Lorentz, and Jake Kolrud; four great-grandchildren, Jazmyn, Bekkam, Brooks and Louie; two brothers; one sister-in-law; four sisters; two brothers-in law; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James, her parents, father and mother-in-law, one brother and one brother-in-law.

Visitation service will be held at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, 100 Jake St, Perham, MN, Friday, July 18, 2025 from 5 – 7 p.m. with a short prayer service at 6 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Skjeberg Lutheran Church, 1327 160th Ave, Teien Township, Drayton, ND with visitation one hour prior. Internment at Hillcrest Cemetery, Donaldson, MN after service. Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock, MN in charge of arrangements.