Ila Gertrude Sherman Oleson was born on December 1, 1922, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Ernest and Ethel (Telschow) Sherman. At a young age, she moved with her family to Northfield where she attended and graduated from Northfield High School. Ila had known Harold prior to going to college and in 1944, the couple married in Albuquerque, New Mexico before Harold went to serve in the Army Air Corp during WWII. She attended Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing for three years before receiving her RN degree. She worked as a nurse for 40 years, including working at the Farmington Hospital, Northfield Hospital, and also during her career, Ila worked as a nurse in the Odd Fellows Home, now Three Links Care Center, and later as director of nursing there. The couple made their home in Northfield. Harold passed away in 2004.
Ila enjoyed reading in her free time, knitting and cooking for her family. She enjoyed having Christmas gatherings with her family as well. She will be known for her patience and spending time with her grandchildren whom she dearly loved.
Ila passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at the age of 97. She is survived by her children Judy Oleson of Apple Valley, Pam (Ken) Sholtz of Northfield, Tom (Jeanne) Oleson of Northfield; son-in-law Mike Dillon of Northfield; six grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold (2004); her daughter Jan Dillon (2013); her brother Vernon; and a sister Eileen Sherman.
A celebration of Ila’s life will be held at Bierman Funeral Home on Thursday, October 29, 2020, beginning at 2:00 PM with Reverend David Weeks officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield. Memorials are preferred to the Northfield Retirement Community or to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, 4604 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Arrangements are by Bierman Funeral Home and Crematory. biermanfuneralhome.com.