Hazel Lonnevik Olson

KALISPELL - Hazel Lonnevik Olson, 88, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Prestige Assisted Living facility in Kalispell.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents; younger sister, Jane Lonnevik Riewer; and her husband, Roy Olson.

She is survived by her brothers, Robert of Conrad and Edwin of Polson; nine nieces and nephews and their families who brought her much love, peace, joy, and happiness.

Hazel was born June 5, 1916 in Valier, the oldest child of Sarah Mitchell Lonnevik and Henry O. Lonnevik. Her first home was on a homestead northeast of Valier.

She went to the Lone Tree Grade School and graduated from Conrad High School in 1934. Hazel owned the Little Brick Cafe in Conrad for three years after which she embarked on a life long nursing profession.

During World War II she was in the U.S. Cadet Nursing program. Hazel graduated from Columbus School of Nursing in Great Falls and received her BS in nursing from the College of Great Falls in 1951.

She assumed the position of head nurse of the Columbus Hospital nursery in 1946 and later became director of Columbus School of Nursing.

Hazel was on the medical staff at the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle, WA. She also worked at Shadel Hospital in Seattle for three years. She began working for the American Red Cross blood program in 1966 and retired in 1992. Through the years Hazel served on many national, state, and local nursing projects and committees.

Roy and Hazel Olson moved from Great Falls to Finley Point where they owned a cherry orchard until 1991 when they moved to Jette Meadows near Polson. Hazel moved to Prestige Assisted Living facility in Kalispell in 2002.

Funeral services were held Aug. 16, at the Pondera Funeral Home with burial following in Hillside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Home Options of Kalispell, 175 Commons Loop Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901 or NW District of American Red Cross, 17A 1st Ave, East Kalispell, MT 59901.