OLSON, Ellen E. (Birum) 1904-1966

OLSON, BIRUM, DEJONG, LAUMBACH, ELMAN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 8/5/2011 at 16:07:49

MRS. F. J. OLSON, FORMER OSAGEIAN, DIES IN MASON CITY

Funeral services for a former Osage woman, Mrs. Frederick J. Olson, 62, more recently very prominent in Mason City, were held Wednesday afternoon, at the First Methodist Church in Mason City. Mrs. Olson had undergone surgery for a malignant condition in her lung in 1965, and in January, 1966, underwent brain surgery from which she was not fully recovered.

Dr. George Truman Carl, pastor, officiated at the services and burial was at a Mason City cemetery. Major-Erickson Funeral home made the arrangements. (Aug. 25, 1966)

Ellen E. Birum was born on a farm near Waverly, March 3, 1904, the daughter of George Albert and Cora Stephens Birum. She accompanied her family to Osage as an infant, remaining here until her marriage to Frederick J. Olson, Aug. 15, 1928, in Osage. They established their home in Mason City.

Following her graduation from Osage high school she attended Iowa State university in Ames, graduating in 1925 with a bachelor of science degree. Her last teaching position was in Detroit.

She was an active member of First Methodist Church in Mason City, coaching many dramatic religious productions for the church. She also worked with the youth groups of the church and was later active in Woman's Society of Christian Service. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of American Colonists. In Ames she was affiliated with Alpha Delta Pi social sorority and was a charter member of Sigma Alpha Iota, professional music honorary.

She was also active in Mason City Woman's club, of which she was a past president. As program chairman and chairman of the art department, Mrs. Olson was instrumental in planning the first sidewalk art show held in Iowa.

Two terms she served as president of the Mason City Pan Hellenic association, and was on the boards of Girl Scouts and YWCA. She was also a member of the Novel club. Her oil paintings were displayed at the Sioux City Art Center in a five-state showing, and her work was selected to be hung there.

Mrs. Olson is survived by her husband of Mason City; two daughters, Mrs. Paul Stephen DeJong, Judith, of Ames; Mrs. Ronald Lee Laumbach, Sabra, of Minneapolis; one grand-daughter, Diedre Ann DeJong of Ames; one sister, Mrs. Jerry Elman, Gladys, of Osage; and one brother, Stephen G. Birum of Cedar Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parent.

[Source: Mitchell County Press-News or Mason City Globe Gazette]
Submitted by Marilyn O'Connor 2002