Irene Langemo Olson ’54
Irene Petra Langemo Olson, 80, of Fairmont, Minn., passed away June 3, 2014, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont, after a three week journey with cancer. Irene was born on June 23, 1933, at the hospital in Fairbault, Minn., the daughter of Peter and Inez Jorstad Langemo. Irene attended school in Kenyon, Minn., and graduated from Kenyon High School. Following her graduation, Irene attended college at St. Olaf, where she majored in piano and public school music. On Aug. 22, 1954, Irene was united in marriage to Stanley Olson, at the Holden Lutheran Church, Kenyon. Together, the couple made their home on a farm near East Chain, Minn., and were blessed with three children, Karen, Mark, and Stephen. Irene had a huge place in her heart for her family. She loved to say her home had expandable walls. Everyone was welcomed warmly.
Irene cherished Jesus and studied the Bible with great interest. Her friends in Bible study remember her for knowing the scriptures and trying to live each day from them. Irene was a member of the Fairmont United Methodist Church. Irene loved music and treasured the opportunity to teach music. She taught at the Blue Earth Elementary School for two years. For 60 years, she taught piano lessons and played the organ and piano for church. She was a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers for 41 years and was also a judge for the National Guild of Students for 26 years. She spent her life in service to others. Through those black and white keys she loved so much, she has touched thousands of lives.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Karen Erickson, Mark Olson, and Stephen Olson; their father, Stanley Olson; grandchildren, Kristin Erickson Hu, Katie Erickson, Marie Mehlhaf, Amy Olson, Bjorn Olson, Aeli Olson, Signe Olson, Stephanie Olson, Jacob Kotila, and their familes; siblings, Helen Langemo Miller ’57 and George Langemo; sister-in-law, Janice Olson; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Inez Langemo; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Edith Olson; and her brother-in-law, LeRoy Olson.
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