Olson Funeral & Cremation Service

John Havel of Rush City passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 80. John Edward Havel was born April 28, 1944 to Edward and Marcella (Kubesh) Havel in Pine City, Minnesota. John grew up in Beroun alongside his two siblings, sister Helen and brother Joel, and where he attended grade school. He graduated from Pine City High School in 1962. In 1962 John went into the service where he was assigned to the 52nd Artillery. He was stationed in Germany. After the service John married Barbara and on January 7, 1966 their son Brendan was born. In 1975 John met Joan Scheele and John would say they "had a very short courtship, but it must...

Evie Simonson passed away peacefully Sunday, March 9, 2025, with daughters Connie, Christie, and loving staff by her side at Northern Pines Assisted Living in Pine City at the age 89. Evelyn Ann Klar born December 29, 1935, to Anthony "Tony" and Annie (Osladil) Klar in Finlayson, Minnesota. In 1954, Evie and LuVerne "Bud" Simonson were united in marriage at the Hinckley Lutheran Church. God blessed their marriage with 4 daughters: Connie, Carrie, Candie, and Christie. Evie was a strong, hardworking woman who would lend a helping hand to anyone. After graduating from high school in 1953 she worked at Augsburg Publishing. While raising her daughters Evie did after school daycare in her home....

Joseph "Joe" Moore of Stanchfield passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at his home, at the age of 92. Joseph James Moore was born on April 6, 1932 to Joseph and Florence (Bibeau) Moore in St. Paul, Minnesota. Joe met the love of his life, Elsie, and they were married in 1958. They were blessed with eight children. The two were inseparable from that point on for over 63 years. Even after Elsie's passing Joe's love for her grew strong, always honoring her memory with a monthly Mass intention where many of his kids and grandkids attended. Joe worked his entire life as a cement finisher. He enjoyed work, fishing, farming, gardening, casinos, football, and grilling. He was an avid walker, and...

Gene Walton of Rush City passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025 at his home at the age of 87. Gene Robert Walton was born February 19, 1937 to Merton and Mildred (Doughty) Walton in Glen Lake, Minnesota. Gene graduated from high school in Hopkins, Minnesota in 1956. He then went right to work at Honeywell at the age of 18, where he worked as a draftsman for 35 years until he retired at the age of 53. On March 1, 1963, Gene married Eileen (Weber) in Excelsior, Minnesota. They lived in Hopkins for nine months until they purchased a hobby farm on Goose Lake in December 1963. It was always his dream to own Lakeshore as he always loved the water, whether it be fishing, boating or water...

James "Jim" Mevissen of Rush City peacefully passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Welia Health in Mora after a courageous three-year battle with cancer at the age of 85. James Arthur Mevissen was born on July 22, 1939 to Louis and Berniece (Quinn) Mevissen in Nowthen, Minnesota. As a young child, Jim's family moved to a farm north of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. He enjoyed working in the fields and caring for the crops. In 1956, he joined the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. Upon returning home from his service, he met Deanna Stelton, and they were married in December of 1960. To this union, six children were born: Bart, Linda, Tony, Greg, Rechele, and...

James "Jim" Mevissen peacefully passed away on February 14 after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Funeral services for Jim are pending at this time and are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel www.FuneralAndCremationService.com

Barbara "Barb" Kirk of Rush City passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Rushseba Station in Rush City at the age of 95. Barbara Lynn Overmann was born on January 5, 1930 to Alfred and Mary (Squires) Overmann in Rush City, Minnesota. She graduated from Rush City High School in 1948. Following graduation, Barb was employed for a time in Minneapolis as a secretary. She met her future husband, Ed Kirk, at a dance. They were later married in Mount Vernon, Washington, when Ed was in the United States Navy. Barb returned to Minneapolis when Ed was sent to Alaska to serve his country. He also then returned to Minneapolis, and he and Barb began their family. Barb gave birth to four children:...

Barbara "Barb" Kirk of Rush City, formerly of St. Louis Park and a 25 year employee of General Mills, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Rushseba Station in Rush City at the age of 95. Pastor Manda Truchinski will officiate funeral services for Barb: 11:00 AM; Friday, February 7, 2025 with an Eastern Star service at 9:30 AM and a time of visitation and reviewal one hour prior to the service all at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. The interment will take place in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel www.FuneralAndCremationService.com

Karen Mae (Swanson) Fletcher, 85, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025. Born prematurely on September 20, 1939 at St. Anthony Hospital in Minneapolis to Ralph and Elsie (Goldbloom) Swanson, Karen's fighting and persistent spirit was evident from the start. She came home two months after her birth, tiny enough to fit in a shoebox and wrapped in blue. She met the love of her life, Russell "Rusty" Fletcher, dancing at the New Year's Eve party hosted by the Fish Lake Pavilion in 1957. They were married by January 1958 and together, raised three tenacious sons (Rodney "Butch," Kurt, and Tad). Through their shared dedication and hard work, they built not just a family but a legacy across...

On January 7th, 2025, the world lost a true original. Clayton Richard Olson, 50, of North Branch; formerly of Wyoming, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous 14-month battle with cancer. Clay had a gift for knowing how to do just about anything?and if he didn't, he'd figure it out and gladly teach someone else along the way. He was happiest when his hands were busy, whether it was tinkering in the garage, restoring classic cars, or riding his motorcycle or dirt bike. A man of many passions, he was a collector of both treasures and tools; a man who found joy in the little things. Above all, he enjoyed time spent with his family and friends and his beloved...

Howard "Howie" Clifford of Stanchfield passed away at Abbott Northwestern Hospital on December 1, 2024 at the age of 57. Howard Arthur Clifford was born at the Rush City Hospital on September 8, 1967 to Francis "Crowbar" and Lois (Redmond) Clifford. He was the seventh and last child. As a child Howie always liked being outside and in the woods. He always liked helping his dad tinker on snowmobiles, lawn mowers, and whatever else needed fixing. He did a lot of bike riding with his brother Scott in the summer and they like to go sledding on the big hill in the winter. He was always outside doing something as he always loved being outdoors. When he was in high school he met Elaine. They got...

Jean Peno passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at Ecumen of North Branch, at the age of 87. Jean Katherine Pitreski was born October 27, 1937 to John and Louise (Hammes) Pitreski in Minneapolis, MN. She grew up helping on the family farm with her six sisters and her brother, graduating from Hinckley High School. Jean attended secretarial college in Minneapolis and began employment at the University of Minnesota. Jean met William "Bill" Peno at "Happy's" in Hinckley, dancing the night away. They fell in love and were married February 2, 1963 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hinckley. After moving to Rush City, they began work on their farm while starting a family. Jean loved music...

Carol Kuglin of Rush City passed away Monday, November 4, 2024 at Rushseba Station at the age of 90. Carol Ann Jacoway was born October 27, 1934 to Delbert and Rose (Bartos) Jacoway at the University Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The family lived in Eden Prairie where Delbert was a farmer. Her sister Jeanette was also born here. In 1942 the family moved to Rush City where Delbert and Rose bought a farm. Siblings Evelyn, Dale and Doug were born in Rush City. Carol went to a country school and walked two miles back and forth each day until the school closed and the school bus brought her and her siblings to the school in Rush City. She completed her schooling and graduated from Rush...

Howard Ledin passed away Monday, November 4, 2024 at MHealth Fairview Hospital in Wyoming at the age of 99. Howard Nelson Ledin was born July 27, 1925 to Harry and Marvel (Nelson) Ledin at home on the family dairy farm in Spring Lake, Isanti County Minnesota. He was the oldest of three children in this close knit community of Swedish Lutherans. He attended school at the Spring Lake country school until 8th grade. At that time, the school closed and was consolidated with North Branch School District. He graduated from North Branch High school in 1943. He grew up during the Depression years with no rain and triple digit temperatures. He and his siblings picked cucumbers which they sold for...

Andrew 'Andy' George Isaman, or to some 'Iceman', was born on May 2nd, 1985 to Terrell and Brenda (Swanson) Isaman of Harris, MN. He left us to find peace on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. Andy was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church of Harris. He was always one to put others before himself and help anyone in need. He often brightened the day of others with his uniqueness and humor. He was genuinely and authentically himself, never once conforming to expectations of who others wanted him to be. Andy was a nature enthusiast finding solace and adventure in the great outdoors, always seeking new trails to explore and breathtaking views to admire and find comfort in. Whether it was a...

Yvonne "Vonnie" Osterdyk passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at her home in Pine City at the age of 80. Yvonne LaVerne Swanson was born May 23, 1944 to Norman and LaVerne (Widstrand) Swanson in Rush City, Minnesota. Yvonne is survived by her children Robert Hensley of Pine City; Jimmy Hensley of Faribault, Scott Crist of Braham, Heidi (Cory Johnson) Crist of Mora, Heather (Nate) Dehkes of Pine City, Erin Fuller of Braham, Dusty (Angie) Fuller of Pine City; 19 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; siblings Patty Weideman of Pine City, Richard (Debra) Swanson of Bradford, Charles Swanson of Pine City; brother-in-law Fred "Snooky" Willert of Pine City; nieces and nephews; other...

Mike Simonson formerly of Cook passed away quietly surrounded by his family on Monday, October 28, 2024 at his home in Pine City at the age of 82. Michael Jerome Simonson was born September 3, 1942 to Jesse and Norma (Anderson) Simonson in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He rounded out their family of four adventuresome boys. His father was a logger, which meant he called many towns and states home as they moved to where work was most plentiful. Michael learned to work hard from an early age, keeping pace with his father and older brothers. He developed a keen interest in automobiles, and quickly gained in knowledge and mechanical skill. These he furthered during his years of proud service in the...

Ruby Erickson of Rush City passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the age of 92. Ruby Agnes Hertenstein was born on August 16, 1932 to Joseph and Mary (Smiley) Hertenstein in Rush City, Minnesota. Ruby is survived by her sons Tom (Carla) Erickson of Westfield, Indiana, Jeff (Jill) Erickson of Rush City; daughter Wendy Scott of Blaine; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings Joe Hertenstein of Pine City, Bob Hertenstein of Blaine, Betty Weeks of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Mary Hertenstein; husband Bob Erickson; daughter Ginger Erickson; son-in-law Ron Scott; sisters Marcia (Edgar) Johnson, Gloria (Virgil) Beecher;...

Donald Lee Kennen, age 76, of Silverthorne, CO, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on August 28, 2024, in his recliner facing the mountains. He was born in Rush City, Minnesota on September 23, 1948, the son of Willard and Lucille (Kaste) Kennen. Don was a graduate of Rush City High School and attended the University of Minnesota, St.Paul campus, studying animal science. He served in the United States Army from January of 1969 to November of 1970, as a Platoon Sergeant with the infantry in both Vietnam and Cambodia. He was proud of serving his country and enjoyed sharing his experiences during school visits each year on Veterans Day. Don raised hogs on his farm south of Rush City...

Herbert Kent passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, Minnesota at the age of 80. Herbert Paul Kent was born on December 31, 1943 to Herbert and Alice (Cort) Kent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Herb is survived by his daughter Kim (Todd) Close of Hugo; grandchildren Taylor Welsch, Ryan Welsch, Sadie Johnson, Dayton Close, Devin Close; great-grandchildren Adrian Rutledge, Ezra Rutledge, Roman Rutledge; sister Judy Kotula of Savage; brother Doug (Bev) Kent of North Carolina; nieces Josie (John) Tabaka, Kelli (Greg) Kennedy, Keri (Dave) Braswell; and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Alice Kent; wife Dianna...