Margaret Olson

Margaret Fagerstrom was born in Golovin on March 9, 1926 to John and Minnie Fagerstrom and was one of eleven children. Her grandfather, Pete Curran, took her to be raised in Solomon. Her early years were spent working in her grandfather’s store and helping to operate the ferry crossing the Solomon River.

Maggie attended school through the eighth grade but her lack of high schooling never held her back. She was excellent at math and gained business savvy working in the Solomon store. Her Inupiat and English were fluent and she had a very strong work ethic succeeding at all she did. Maggie was a skilled squirrel hunter and made squirrel skin parkas for her loved ones. She also hand crafted many seal skin mukluks for babies of family and friends.

In 1950, Maggie met a young, handsome pilot from Golovin named Martin Luther Olson. Martin had been in the Navy and was returning home. She was at the Nome airport when he arrived and the rest is, as they say, history. They were married August 28, 1952. Together they had four children Donald, Martin (Koke), David (MO) and Margaret (Sister).

Martin and Maggie founded Olson Air Service in 1955 and Olson and Sons a few years later. Martin and Maggie were a good team and successfully raised hard working kids who helped in every way with the family businesses.

Maggie has long been a pillar of the Covenant Church drawing her strength from her Savior. She regularly travelled all over Western Alaska for church conferences. She enjoyed singing and her voice would rise above others as she sang translated songs and hymns. She comforted countless people in their time of need. She was a friend to all and welcomed many weary travelers into her home.

Maggie entered heaven surrounded by loved ones on March 31, 2018. She was proceeded in death by her husband Martin and sons, Koke and MO.  

Maggie is survived by Donald and Willow, Sister and Lynn, and Karol Olson; her grandchildren Michael (Lesli), Michelle (Nick), Melody (Byron), Maronda (Zach), Colby (Tracey), Martin, Junior, Maggie, Solomon, Elise and David; and her great grandchildren Becca, Reese, Isla, Terje, Olivia and Nora.

Maggie will be laid to rest by her husband and sons in the Golovin Cemetery after a funeral on, Friday, April 6,2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Martin L. Olson School. Burial and Potluck immediately following service.