Jola Greta Amundsen

Jola Greta Amundsen passed away on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, at Autumn Cottages in Alexandria, MN. She was 88 years old. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 29th, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Geneva Cemetery in Alexandria at 1:00 PM following a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, checks can be made payable to First Lutheran Church and given to the family.

Jola Greta (Rhodes) Amundsen was born on May 13, 1938, in Minneapolis, MN, she was the beloved daughter of Lloyd and Linda (Wass) Rhodes. From an early age, Jola demonstrated dedication and commitment. She attended Patrick Henry High School, graduating in 1956, where she was an active participant in band—playing the flute and carrying the American flag. Not only was she active in music, but Jola also played basketball and balanced work as an office assistant at the Frane & Schwartz Physicians’ Office. These early experiences inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. Jola enrolled at Fairview Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Her professional journey began at Fairview Hospital’s Emergency Room, where she quickly established herself as a compassionate and skilled nurse. On April 4, 1959, Jola married her high school sweetheart, Gerald “Jerry” Amundsen, in a ceremony held at Zion Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis. The couple established their first home in Robbinsdale, MN, where their family grew with the birth of three children: Lisa, Tamara, and Douglas.

When Jerry’s work necessitated a move, the family settled in Alexandria, Minnesota, in 1967. There, Jola continued her nursing vocation at Douglas County Hospital, advancing from Registered Nurse to Nursing Supervisor in the Emergency Room. Her passion for teaching led her to Alex Tech, where she imparted her knowledge to aspiring nurses as a practical nursing instructor. Jola’s leadership and dedication were recognized when she was appointed Director of the Practical Nursing Program in 1982, a role she fulfilled with distinction for two decades until her retirement in 2003.

Outside her professional life, Jola’s commitment to faith, music, and youth was evident. She generously shared her talents as a youth choir director and as a member of the Voices of Joy Choir at First Lutheran Church. Additionally, she inspired young minds as a Girl Scout leader, fostering values of community and service.

In her well-earned retirement, Jola embraced hobbies that reflected her selflessness and generosity. She found joy in caring for birds, knitting slippers, volunteering at church, hosting guests, and baking delectable goods. She cherished hosting her nursing classmates annually each August and was an engaged grandmother, placing her family at the heart of her life. Jola enjoyed traveling, casino outings, and card games shared with friends and family. Proud of her Swedish heritage, she maintained beloved customs by preparing traditional dishes such as lefsa and Swedish meatballs, ensuring these cultural ties remained vibrant.

Jola Greta Amundsen passed away on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, at Autumn Cottages in Alexandria, MN. She was 88 years old. Her legacy is one of steadfast love, selflessness, and dedication. Jola’s lifetime of service, both in nursing and in her community, stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Jola leaves behind her children, Lisa Colen and Douglas (Mary) Amundsen; grandchildren, Jason Colen, Molly (Bryton) St. Germain, and Connor Amundsen; great-grandchildren, William “Liam” and Adeline “Ada J” St. Germain; sister, LouAnn (Ed) DeValois, nephew, David (Linda) DeValois and their children, Austin and Andrea; and niece, Kathy DeValois-Holder and her daughter, Hannah. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry Amundsen; daughter, Tamara Reignier; and son-in-law, Ed Colen.