Margaret Olson, 80, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026.
A Celebration of Margaret’s Life will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Reiman Gardens in Ames. During her celebration there will be an opportunity to share memories of Margaret with her family and friends.
Margaret Suzanne Den Herder was born on May 16, 1945, in Des Moines, Iowa, the only child to Jake and Hazel (Freiberg) Den Herder. She grew up in Norwalk where she attended school and graduated in the class of 1963. Margaret continued her education at Iowa State University majoring in Home Economics. In Ames she met Wayne Everett Olson where the couple were united in marriage on August 21, 1965. Following their marriage the couple moved to Germany while Wayne served our county in the United States Army. During their time overseas, they embraced every opportunity to travel, exploring much of Europe, including England, France, Italy, Netherlands along with other countries they were able to visit. Following Wayne’s honorable discharge, the couple returned to Ames where they made their home.
With a passion for nutrition and supplements in 1981 Margaret started her career with General Nutrition Center (GNC). For 44 years she was a loyal and knowledgeable team member dedictaed to her work and served in the Retail Manager and District Manager roles.
Margaret found great joy spending time in nature, watching for birds, gardening and capturing life’s beauty through photography. She was zealous in her pursuit of ancestry. Margaret loved gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing meals, laughter, and creating lasting memories together. Her favorite restaurant choices were the ones associated with her grandson and godson. In music she enjoyed classical, oldies rock and roll especially Elvis Presley and hymns, specifically minor hymns during lent. She delighted in British sitcoms and classic mystery programs.
Margaret was a fan of the Iowa State Cyclones where she enjoyed watching the football and basketball teams. She especially enjoyed her tradition of attending Women’s basketball games with her grandson Amadeio.
Margaret will be deeply missed by her daughter-in-love, Sita Zarnegar; grandson-in-love, Amadeio Zarnegar; great granddaughter-in-love, Josephine Ann; godson Charles Theesfield; multiple cousins, extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne Olson in 2008, and parents, Jake and Hazel Den Herder.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Reiman Gardens. Condolences and memories of Margaret may be shared with her family in the tributes section of her memorial page.
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