Joan was born on July 26, 1931, daughter of Alfred and Clara (Bast) Peterson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Joan spent her childhood in Minneapolis and graduated from Minneapolis South High School in 1949. Joan was employed at Honeywell and married Keith Olson in 1955. After the couple moved to Carlos Joan worked at Bethany Home as a certified nurse’s assistant and also as an Avon representative. Joan was a graduate of Dale Carnegie.Joan died on March 24, 2003 at the Douglas County Hospital at the age of 71. Joan is survived by her husband, Keith of Alexandria; sons: Keith David and wife Jan Olson of Princeton; Michael and wife Jamie Olson of Alexandria; Mark Allen and wife Kay Olson of Alexandria; Peter and wife Sherrie Olson of Center City; and Toby Olson of Alexandria; daughters: Kimberly and husband Jonathan Meyer of Alexandria; and Mia Olson of Miltona; 13 grandchildren; brother: Gordy Peterson of Kensington; and sisters: Mary Dibley of Minneapolis; and Ruth Cowan of Miltona. Her parents preceded Joan in death.
A funeral service was held on March 27, 2003 at the Living Waters Assembly of God Church. Reverend James Resa was the officiant. Mary Anderson was the organist and Barb Pickens, soloist.
Interment was in the Carlos Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Olson, Michael Paul Olson, Keith David Olson, Mark Allen Olson, Peter Olson and Toby Olson.
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.