Longtime Decorah Resident Trudy Olson Passes Away at 93

Funeral service for the lifelong community advocate will be held this Saturday in her hometown.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:52pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a church interior, with blurred shapes and muted colors creating a serene, contemplative mood.The peaceful memorial service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will honor Trudy Olson's lifelong commitment to serving her community.Brooklyn Park Today

Gertrude 'Trudy' Olson, a 93-year-old resident of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026. Olson, a longtime Decorah, Iowa resident known for her community activism and support of global missions, will be remembered at a funeral service this Saturday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah.

Why it matters

Trudy Olson was a fixture in the Decorah community for decades, known for her tireless advocacy and volunteer work. Her passing marks the end of an era for many locals who remember her as a dedicated community leader and passionate supporter of causes like ELCA World Hunger.

The details

Olson, née Kolstad, lived in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota at the time of her death but maintained strong ties to Decorah, where she had resided for most of her life. The funeral service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where Olson was a longtime member. She will be laid to rest at the Lutheran Cemetery in a private burial.

  • Trudy Olson passed away on February 2, 2026.
  • Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Gertrude 'Trudy' Olson

A 93-year-old lifelong resident of Decorah, Iowa who was known for her community activism and support of global missions.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

The church in Decorah, Iowa where Olson's funeral service will be held.

Lutheran Cemetery

The cemetery in Decorah, Iowa where Olson will be privately laid to rest.

ELCA World Hunger

A global mission that was near and dear to Olson's heart, which memorials may be made to in her name.

Helms Funeral Home

The funeral home handling the arrangements for Olson's services.

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The takeaway

Trudy Olson's passing marks the end of an era for the Decorah community, which will remember her as a tireless advocate and community leader who dedicated her life to supporting important global causes and making a difference in her hometown.