Charmelle R. Olson

Charmelle Olson, 62, of Woodbury, MN (formerly Fargo, ND) died June 2, 2012, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN.

Charmelle (Zinck) Olson was born July 15, 1949, in Jamestown, ND, to Frances and Howard Zinck. On May 26, 1972, she married Glenn Olson in Fargo. For over 40 years, they shared a life, currently residing in Woodbury, MN.

After graduation from Fargo Central High School in 1967, Charmelle attended Moorhead and North Dakota State Universities. Throughout her years there, she was active in the performing arts and most notably as soloist for the choir, the recipient of several state and regional music awards, and the lead of Maria in West Side Story.

Aside from her passion and talent for music, Charmelle was active in local politics. She served as President of Local Council 6 and member of the Executive Board for AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) during the years she was employed as the Local Area Network Manager, Vocational Rehabilitation Division, with the Department of Economic Security for the State of Minnesota. In addition, she was serving as Vice President of her Townhouse Association just prior to her hospitalization.

Charmelle’s passion for life, numerous talents, and generosity will be missed. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and more. Her practical common sense yielded invaluable advice and her sense of humor reminded everyone who knew her – don’t take things too seriously.

Charmelle is survived by her husband, Glenn Olson; son, Chad (Lisa) Olson; grandchildren, Andrew and Alyssa Roeschlein; father, Howard Zinck; siblings, Denice Rich, Daniel Zinck, Barbara Swantek; and nieces and nephews, Kyle and Alison Zinck, Zachary Rich, Jasmine, Broderick and Garrett Swantek.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances M. Zinck.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 9th at 11:00am at First Presbyterian Church in Fargo, ND.