Obituary of Cathryn Kristin Towley Olson

Cathryn Kristin Towley Olson, 82, died on June 19, 2017. Preceded in death by parents Violet Mattson Towley and Carl Kahrs Towley Sr., daughter Jennifer Olson Guentert, sister Mary Towley Swanson, brother the Rev. Carl Kahrs Towley Jr., and son-in-law Philip Guentert. She is survived by son Andrew (Lori) Olson; daughter Elizabeth (Eric Jensen) Olson; grandchildren Emily and August Olson, Eleanor and Louise Guentert, and Marcus and Audrey Jensen; former husband Howard Olson, brother-in-law David Swanson (Joanne Reid), many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. A graduate of Hopkins High School, Wellesley College, and Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Cathryn began her career as a teacher, working in Jordan, Bloomington and Robbinsdale. She then moved on to be a school librarian in Robbinsdale before studying for her law degree. After graduating from law school, Cathryn worked in Burnsville and later Anoka as a senior administrator, and finally, worked as a labor attorney and public sector labor arbitrator. She was very active in the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, leading writing groups and participating in several committees there. Cathryn loved classical music, a dry martini, traveling, designer shoes, and she loved her extended family fiercely and unconditionally. Her wit, generosity, and wisdom will be well-missed. Memorial services will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 31st Street, Minneapolis at 1:00 on June 28. Visitation is at the church one hour before the service; there will also be a reception at the Woman’s Club following. Arrangements through Cremation Society of MN. Memorials are preferred to Wellesley College Student Aid Society (Jennifer Olson Guentert Fund) or the American Swedish Institute.