1987
Michael
2010
Michael Olson
June 13, 1987 — December 6, 2010
Funeral services for Michael Thomas Olson of Morris, will be held Friday, December 10, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus, MN. Reverend John R. Smith will be officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, and for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial will be at the Scandia East Lutheran Cemetery near Cyrus.
Michael Thomas Olson, son of Thomas and Denise (Ahrlin) Olson, was born three months premature on June 13, 1987 in Minneapolis, MN. Michael spent the next 8 weeks in the hospital before leaving for home healthier and stronger than anyone could ever have expected. One month later, at the age of only 3 months, Michael contracted spinal meningitis, which would ultimately effect everything else that happened in Michael's life. From that moment on, Michael was surrounded by a wide variety of specialists and care givers, but none more dedicated than his own loving parents. Michael was baptized into the Lutheran Faith on September 18, 1987, and on September 21, 2003 was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus.
At the age of 3 years, Michael started the special education preschool in Morris. He continued in the special education program until graduating from Morris Area High School at the age of 21. He then became involved with the Stevens County D.A.C., where he had remained active since that time. In July 2008, Michael made his first move, and became a resident at the Ravenwood Home in Morris, where he lived until December 2009, when he moved to the Heartwood Home, also in Morris. His family was always grateful that no matter where he was throughout his lifetime, he always received wonderful, loving care from those around him.
Michael thrived on affection, something he learned to appreciate from his mother's constant touch, hugs and kisses. He also loved interacting with others, listening to music and looking at colorful lights, especially at Christmas time. Eating was always another favorite of Michael's, with root beer and pizza topping the list of preferred foods. Watermelon, on the other hand, was intended for others to eat.
Michael was loved by all his aunts, uncles and cousins, and he always held a very special place in the hearts of his grandparents. Unmatched though, by everyone but God, was the affection Michael received from his parents. He was truly their beloved son, the one they always hoped for and wanted in their lives.
Michael died very unexpectedly Monday, December 6, 2010 at his residence in the Heartwood Home in Morris, Minnesota. He had lived to reach the age of 23 years.
He is survived by his parents, Thomas & Denise Olson of Morris; his grandparents: Helen Ahrlin of Hoffman and Howard Olson of Hoffman; his aunts & uncles: Jim & Ginny Ahrlin of Eveleth, MN, Kathy & Jim Olson of Bozeman, MT and Laurel & Don Ortman of Harvey, ND and his cousins: Caroline & Tracy Ortman and Emily & Erik Olson. He was preceded in death by one infant brother, Timothy Olson (Jan. 27, 1986) and his grandparents: Evelyn Olson and Clayton Ahrlin.
Pallbearers for the service are Michael's Aunts & Uncles, who were also his Godparents: Jim & Ginny Ahrlin, Kathy & Jim Olson and Laurel & Don Ortman. Honorary Pallbearers are his cousins: Caroline & Tracy Ortman and Emily & Erik Olson and all those who taught, cared for and were part of Michael's life over the years. Karl Retzlaff will serve as pianist for the service, with Jere Solvie serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
Michael Thomas Olson, son of Thomas and Denise (Ahrlin) Olson, was born three months premature on June 13, 1987 in Minneapolis, MN. Michael spent the next 8 weeks in the hospital before leaving for home healthier and stronger than anyone could ever have expected. One month later, at the age of only 3 months, Michael contracted spinal meningitis, which would ultimately effect everything else that happened in Michael's life. From that moment on, Michael was surrounded by a wide variety of specialists and care givers, but none more dedicated than his own loving parents. Michael was baptized into the Lutheran Faith on September 18, 1987, and on September 21, 2003 was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus.
At the age of 3 years, Michael started the special education preschool in Morris. He continued in the special education program until graduating from Morris Area High School at the age of 21. He then became involved with the Stevens County D.A.C., where he had remained active since that time. In July 2008, Michael made his first move, and became a resident at the Ravenwood Home in Morris, where he lived until December 2009, when he moved to the Heartwood Home, also in Morris. His family was always grateful that no matter where he was throughout his lifetime, he always received wonderful, loving care from those around him.
Michael thrived on affection, something he learned to appreciate from his mother's constant touch, hugs and kisses. He also loved interacting with others, listening to music and looking at colorful lights, especially at Christmas time. Eating was always another favorite of Michael's, with root beer and pizza topping the list of preferred foods. Watermelon, on the other hand, was intended for others to eat.
Michael was loved by all his aunts, uncles and cousins, and he always held a very special place in the hearts of his grandparents. Unmatched though, by everyone but God, was the affection Michael received from his parents. He was truly their beloved son, the one they always hoped for and wanted in their lives.
Michael died very unexpectedly Monday, December 6, 2010 at his residence in the Heartwood Home in Morris, Minnesota. He had lived to reach the age of 23 years.
He is survived by his parents, Thomas & Denise Olson of Morris; his grandparents: Helen Ahrlin of Hoffman and Howard Olson of Hoffman; his aunts & uncles: Jim & Ginny Ahrlin of Eveleth, MN, Kathy & Jim Olson of Bozeman, MT and Laurel & Don Ortman of Harvey, ND and his cousins: Caroline & Tracy Ortman and Emily & Erik Olson. He was preceded in death by one infant brother, Timothy Olson (Jan. 27, 1986) and his grandparents: Evelyn Olson and Clayton Ahrlin.
Pallbearers for the service are Michael's Aunts & Uncles, who were also his Godparents: Jim & Ginny Ahrlin, Kathy & Jim Olson and Laurel & Don Ortman. Honorary Pallbearers are his cousins: Caroline & Tracy Ortman and Emily & Erik Olson and all those who taught, cared for and were part of Michael's life over the years. Karl Retzlaff will serve as pianist for the service, with Jere Solvie serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
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