Ward Hayden Olson

Ward Hayden Olson, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the age of 75. Ward was born to Edward and Avis Olson on February 1, 1948. He and his siblings, Holly and Kent, spent their early years in Goodhue, Minnesota before moving to Hutchinson, where he graduated in 1966. He went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota. From a young age, he enjoyed exploring the country, wandering the wilderness with his .22, hunting and fishing, and taking his grandma Minda for car rides. In the spring of 1972, Ward met Adrianne Chihos, his soon to be wife of almost 49 years. The two of them found much joy in their daughters, Minda and Megan. Ward showed great pride in watching them grow and accomplish happiness in their professional and family lives. He retired in 2014 to start focusing more on the things he loved. Ward cared deeply about his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandpa, he enjoyed nothing more than experiences with those he loved. Whether it be time on the range shooting, in the boat fishing, hiking through the woods exploring, going for long bike rides, or in the kitchen cooking, he wanted to share all of it with the ones he cared about. We'll remember the backyard bonfires, family adventures to Montana, and Thursday dinners. We'll remember the couch conversations and all day grocery outings. We'll remember the meaningful lessons and drives in the country. But most of all, we'll remember his love. Sometimes he smiled and sometimes he scowled. Sometimes he snickered and sometimes he scolded. But with every chat, every chide, and every chuckle, he loved. His friends knew it, his family knew it, and we all loved him back. Ward didn't lose his battle to cancer. His battle instead demonstrated his courageous attitude and unwavering devotion to family. His endurance gave us more time with him. His toughness gave us more family group hugs. His relentless sarcasm gave us more laughs. His impenetrable love gave us comfort. Each of these victories will stay with us, embedded into his legacy as a man who would back down to nothing. His body may have ultimately given way to the cancer, but Ward did not. Preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Avis Olson. Ward is survived by his wife, Adrianne of 48 years; Daughters: Minda Hammond (Aaron) and Megan Waller (Andrew); Grandchildren: Emma, Eliana, Hannah, and Bennett; Siblings: Holly Monahan and Kent Olson; other relatives and friends. Though we'll miss him tremendously, his love will live on through his family and friends. He wouldn't allow it any other way. A visitation will start at 10:00 a.m., then a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 7th at Pax Christi Church, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie. The service will be followed by a luncheon. For those unable to attend, the service portion of the celebration will be live streamed at https://www.paxchristi.com.

Tributes

Ward Hayden Olson

February 1, 1948 - January 27, 2024

Tributes

Ward Hayden Olson

February 1, 1948 - January 27, 2024

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