Richard Daniel Olson

Richard "Rich" Olson, 69, of Forest Lake died peacefully at his home in Minneapolis on Monday, January 6th, 2025. He is survived by loving wife of 45 years Laurie, wonderful sister Judy Peterson (Norman), mother-in-law Ceil Kelley. Many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Katherine (nee Tolzmann) Olson and his father-in-law William Kelley. A true athlete, Rich played many sports including basketball. He was head lifeguard at the Forest Lake Beach in the 1970's. Doling out the cash for his nephew's hat tricks, a sports admirer of all types from pee-wee hockey to the big leagues, he loved the art of any game with competition. Rich felt one of the greatest blessings was being adopted by his Mom and Dad. They were kind and patient and tried to keep him in line and honest. His Dad made him sweep the grocery store parking lot for a month, after stealing some cough drops. A turned city boy, Rich has cherished childhood memories of helping at at Uncle Norm and Aunt Bee's farm and Uncle Walter and Aunt Elsie family farm. A master at cuisine, Rich showed his love for his friends and family by cooking and grilling and hosting of many Thanksgivings and Halloween parties. He started at Northeast Residence in 1990 and nobody can remember when he actually retired, even him. His respect for the residents that lived there shined through his daily service to each and every one of them. Rich struggled with alcoholism. He and Laurie found that love and intelligence alone can not beat this disease. He called Laurie's cousin Danny, who said "You need to believe in a higher power. God can get you through." He revisited his faith and called his cousin Terry Tolzmann who answered at all hours of night and day. He showed his unwavering support by sharing bible verses and a shared prayer for many months. Cousins, Brian and Jennifer welcomed him at church services and assisted with any accommodations. The support of any cousins was extra meaningful as they showed their love with phone calls and cards of encouragement did not go unnoticed. The power of cousin's love got him through tough times. In September of 2023 he went on hospice, after 6 months they graduated him out. He told everyone he was expelled. 15 Months of God's grace he had a wonderful care team. He thanked god every morning when he woke up for the blessing of another day. He will be greatly missed. Memorial Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel visitation at 9am and funeral & burial at 10am. In lieu of flowers family would prefer donations to a charity of their own choosing.

Tributes

Richard Daniel Olson

May 17, 1955 - January 6, 2025

Tributes

Richard Daniel Olson

May 17, 1955 - January 6, 2025

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