Joni Olson, 78, North Branch, formerly of Moose Lake, and also Yuma, Arizona passed peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Ecumen in North Branch.  Her journey has ended, and she is now reunited with her beloved Vern, sister, Jeanie, and so many who have been waiting to welcome her home.

Joni was born on January 25, 1947 to Robert and Lorriane Keel.  She grew up in Proctor and graduated from Proctor High School in 1965.  Joni was married to Kent Johnson and to this marriage, Scott was born.  Joni lived in Duluth and worked selling classified ads for the Duluth News Tribune under the alias of "Ms. White".  She married Vernon Olson in 1982 and lived in Moose Lake where she worked for the Star Gazette and Moose Lake Chamber of Commerce. Joni was also a strong supporter of the Moose Lake Jaycees. They wintered in Yuma, AZ for years and eventually moved there fulltime, living there until 2023 when she moved to North Branch to be close to family as she navigated living with Alzheimer's disease.

If you knew Joni, you knew her smile!  That bright, contagious grin that could light up any room.  She did love a good social gathering, a bit of friendly teasing, and could out-shop just about anyone.  Arizona sunshine, her little dog, Buttons, day trips to Mexico for shopping and margaritas, a good happy hour, and time spent with friends and family were her favorite things.   She was a compassionate caregiver; always putting others first and somehow managing to make it all look easy.  She has been the spark that kept our family fires burning bright!

Joni leaves us with full hearts, wonderful memories, and her forever example of living life with grace, humor, and sparkle.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon in 2012; parents: Robert and Lorraine Keel; and sister: Jean Delly.

Joni will be lovingly remembered by her son: Scott (Karen) Johnson; two grandchildren: Zach Johnson and Abby Johnson; brother: Jim (Jane) Keel; a sister: Joyce Bowser. Nieces Kara Keel (fiancé Dania Kamp), and Anna Keel and her son Hartlee.

We will be Celebrating Joni's Life on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5-7 pm in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home.  There will be no formal service, and we will be gathering "Joni-style" with stories, laughter, 50'-60's music, and plenty of love.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.