Obituary of Joann Kay Mathias

Joann Kay Mathias, 83, of Brooklyn Park, MN passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Joann was born in Jamestown North Dakota on July 12, 1941, she was the oldest child of Eston and Margaret (Berge) Mathias.

Joann attended school at Homer Township and Jamestown High School, graduating in 1959. After high school she went to California, where she lived and worked in the San Diego area.

Joann married Randy Olson on May 25, 1965 in Jamestown ND and raised three children on a hobby farm in Grand Forks ND.

Joann attended the University of North Dakota, graduating with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Upon graduation, she moved to Minneapolis where she worked as an educator and advisor at Walden University and later Capella University.

Joann will be remembered for her love of learning, traveling, houseplants, flowers, gardening, canning pickles, making fudge and lefsa. She was a great hugger, a great big sister and the best M.O.M. and Nana. She loved spending time with her family and going to her grandchildren’s activities.

Joann is survived by her three children; Karmel (Steve) Smith, Brooklyn Park, MN, Rand (Shannon) Olson, Lakeville, MN and Paul Olson, Rosemount, MN, five grandchildren; Cameron Olson, Kole Hotvedt, Lauren OIson, Ashley Olson, Julia Olson and siblings Judy Bair, Jamestown, ND and Wade Mathias, Rosanky, TX.

Joann Kay Mathias was proceeded in death by her parents, grandchildren Drew & McKenna Olson, sister Marlys Jensen, brother-in-law Jerry Hoss, sister-in-law Susan Mathias and nephew Matthew Mathias, former husband Randy Olson.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Thursday, October 10th at the Cremation Society of Minnesota; 7835 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park MN 55445.

Visitation begins at 11:00 am with a service at 11:30 am, and lunch to follow.