Betty Olsem

In Loving Memory Of

Elizabeth "Betty" Olsem

Elizabeth "Betty" (Lohse) Olsem, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, May 5th  She was born on December 26, 1937, in Heron Lake, Minnesota, to Chris and Tillie (Henkels) Lohse and grew up on the family farm north of Heron Lake. A graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic School, Betty was the first in her family to attend college, studying shorthand and education at Mankato Teacher's College (now MSU). She began her career teaching at Shakopee High School before marrying Paul Olsem, in 1960, and starting their life as farmers, first near Dundee then near Fulda. Betty devoted herself to raising their six children and cultivating a life rooted in faith, family & hard work. She became a master gardener and food preserver, filling shelves with homegrown produce that sustained the family through the winters—and became a treasured gift for visiting children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time quilting, sleuthing crossword puzzles, and playing card games. Betty was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, worshipping at St. Mary’s in Dundee until its closing in 1990, and then at St. Gabriel’s in Fulda. She gave generously of her time and talents—volunteering with Meals on Wheels, leading the rosary, and teaching exercise classes at the Fulda Senior Center. 

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Paul; six children: Douglas (Leanna) Olsem of Marshall, MN, Don (Peg) Olsem of Dundee, MN, Joan (Steve) Miller of West Des Moines, IA, Brian (Kathy) Olsem of Waconia, MN, Lynn (Jim) Sinclair of Ankeny, IA, and Gary (Mark) Olsem of Dexter, MI; 22 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren & counting; one sister, Lorraine Witzel of Fulda, MN; sister-in-law Agnes Lohse of Heron Lake, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services

St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church Fulda, MN at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 with Fr. Peter Schuster celebrating.  The organist is Dana Hogan. The song leader is Ken Salentiny. The pallbearers are Ben Olsem, Francis Olsem, David Miller, Isaac Sinclair, Zach Olsem and Jonathan Olsem. Interment at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery Fulda, MN.

Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 6 PM with a rosary at 4:00 PM at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fulda and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. The Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Olsem, please visit our floral store.