Rose Janet Dornquast Olson

Rose Janet Olson left for her Heavenly Home on February 4, 2025, at Four Seasons Health Center. Rose was born on October 24, 1927, to Carl and Clara Heys Bauman, and had four brothers and four sisters who worked their farm in Wheaton, Minnesota. After High School, Rose attended Teachers College for two years before teaching in a 1-room schoolhouse. She taught in rural schools for the next 10 years while earning her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State College. Rose was respected for her teaching skills and recognized as “Teacher of the Year” at Buffalo Elementary School in 1979. Rose retired after 39 years, leaving a legacy of excellence for her students and fellow educators. Rose married Floyd Dornquast on December 28, 1947, and during their 25-year marriage, they welcomed a son, Eugene Michael. Floyd passed away in 1973. On August 14, 1975, Rose married John Raynold Olson and was widowed after 31 years. Rose led an active life; a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota, where she was one of the first two women ever on the Church Council, she was past President of the Ladies of Zion, member of Delta Kappa Gamma-Upsilon Chapter, member and past President (3 times) of Buffalo Legion Auxiliary #270, and a lifetime member of both the MEA and NEA. Rose relocated to Columbus, IN, in 2012 to be close to her family and resided at Four Seasons Residential Community, where she served on the Residents’ Council. Rose also enjoyed assisting as a reader and greeter at Four Seasons Chapel worship services. Rose was predeceased by her son, Eugene Michael, in 2015. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Pam Dornquast Roth; grandson Chad (Jayne) Dornquast; great-grandsons, Steven (dec. 4/17/2025) and Scott Dornquast; sister, Joyce Gimmestad; brother, Richard Bauman; stepdaughters, JoAnn Draper and Jodi Ditmore; step-grandchildren, Matthew Draper, and Conor and Olivia Ditmore. A special “thank you” to Pamela Dorquast Roth and her husband Jim for the wonderful care they gave our sister Rose over the past several years, from Sister Joyce Gimmestad and Brother Richard Bauman. There will be no calling hours. The memorial service will take place in Buffalo, Minnesota, on May 31st at Zion Lutheran Church. Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery for family members. This will be directly following the service. Memorials may be made to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. You are invited to light a virtual candle of remembrance and send a message of condolence to the Olson family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rose Janet Dornquast Olson, please visit our Sympathy Store.