Helen L. Olson, 87

Helen Louise Olson, 87, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed into her Lord’s arms on May 6, 2021. Helen was born Dec. 29, 1933, in Bruce, S.D., to Reinhold and Kathe (Mangels) Gerth. She was their only child. Upon graduation, Helen was employed as a secretary at South Dakota State College.

Helen married Roger Olson on June 27, 1954, in Brookings, S.D. They moved to San Diego, Calif., where Roger completed his four years in the Navy, and they remained in the San Diego area. They were blessed with three children.

Helen was employed at San Diego High School until her early retirement in 1988. She and Roger moved to Post Falls, Idaho, in 1989. She was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Rathdrum, Idaho. Helen loved her Lord, her family, and enjoyed music, books and travel.

Helen is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Roger; son, Ronald (Lisa); daughters, Kathryn Laursen and Karen Olson, both of El Cajon, Calif.; grandson, Robert Olson of Bonney Lake, Wash.; granddaughter, Jolene Pound (Sean) of Chula Vista, Calif.; and granddaughter, Eileen Wickstrom of Pullman, Wash. There are eight great-grandchildren: Skyler Olson, Andrew Stevenson, Grace and Ethan Olson, Logan Wickstrom, Makayla Wilcotts and Aiden and Liam Pound; and two great-great-grandchildren, Emma and Isabella.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 13541 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum, ID 83858. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 14, 2021, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Helen’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.