Ann Olson Russin
August 8, 1958 — June 2, 2013
A nn Marie Olson Russin, 54, of Blair, Nebraska, formerly of Axtell passed away Sunday, June 2, 2013 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
She was born August 8, 1958 in Seneca, Kansas, the daughter of George and Evelyn (Grotnes) Olson. Ann Marie graduated as valedictorian from Axtell High School in 1976. She went on to attend Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1980. Ann Marie served as catalog manager of Scandinavian imports at The Hemslojd in Lindsborg for 24 years.
She served as accordionist for over 30 years for the Swedish Hambo Band, the Lindsborg Folkdanslog, and the Omaha Scandinavian Dancers. She was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Blair, NE and was the hospitality team leader. Ann Marie served as Chairman of the Board at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Salina, KS. She served as hospitality team leader at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg. She was a member of Sons of Norway and the Kansas Explorers Club. She sang soprano in the Bethany Oratorio Society’s production of Handel’s Messiah for 33 years. Ann Marie was united in marriage to Dr. Raymond Russin on January 9, 1999 in Lindsborg.
Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Olson on August 15, 2008. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Raymond Russin of the home; her father, George Olson of Axtell, KS; two step daughters, Jennifer (Chris) Klapp of Centerview, MO and Heather House of Lindsborg, KS; a brother, Allen (Kelly) Olson of Wichita, KS; a sister, Alice (Terry) Roepke of Waterville, KS; five step grandsons, Michael, Alexander, and Nathaniel Klapp and Braxton and Gabriel House; five nephews and one niece.
Funeral service is Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Salem Lutheran Church. Visitation is Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Landreth-Popkess Funeral Home in Axtell. Interment will be in the Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to CaringBridge.org, Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS or the American Cancer Society, sent in care of the funeral home, 814 Castle St. Seneca, KS 66538.