Audrey Jane Olander Obit

AUDREY JANE OLANDER, 91, of Crosby, died on June 30, 2021 at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.  She was born in Duluth on Jan. 7, 1930 to Earl Jesse and Phyllis Rosella (Sutton) Herrick, the youngest of five children.  Audrey married Merle Edward Olander on July 26, 1947. Together with her husband Merle, they became owners and operators of the Crystal Café in Crosby for many years.  Audrey also worked as a secretary in Duluth, a clerk for Mr. Meats in Crosby, was a former employee of the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby in the laundry department and a cook/ baker at several area restaurants.  Audrey was a gifted singer, quick witted and always spunky. Preceding Audrey in death are her parents; her husband Merle in 2010; one daughter,  Sandra Olander; grandchild, Erik Olander; great- grandchild, Blake Olander; step-grandchild, Grant Converse, three brothers, Earl, Watson and George Herrick and one sister, LaVonne Geer. Audrey is survived by three son and daughters-in-law, Larry and Debra Olander of Crosby; Kevin (Michael Renteria) Olander of La Habra, CA and Chris and Karen Olander of Crosby; one daughter and son-in-law, Lynda and Clint Converse of Pillager; 15 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services have been held. Arrangements were with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.