Olson Funeral & Cremation Service

Charles Edward Higgins Sr. (Chuck), aged 73, passed away peacefully at home in Sandstone, MN surrounded by his loved ones on April 5, 2024, after battling multiple cancers in the past year. Chuck was born on August 4, 1950 in Minneapolis, MN to Edward and Margaret Higgins. As a U.S. Marine Veteran, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune for four years and was then honorably discharged. After leaving the Marine Corps, Chuck and Diane joined a motorcycle club called the Dry Riders. The Dry Riders were a big part of Chuck and Diane's life. They enjoyed riding motorcycles together with their friends across the country. Chuck also enjoyed riding bicycles and camping with his wife, kids, and...

Frank Winges of Rush City passed away peacefully at Fairview Wyoming Hospital on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the age of 75 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Frank was born March 23, 1949 to Jim and Alice Winges of Rush City. He graduated from Rush City High School in 1967. He was drafted into the Army in 1968, served in Vietnam from February to December of 1970. After being honorably discharged he came back to Rush City, was employed by Boise Cascade from 1974-1992 and retired from McDonald Distributing in the summer of 2015. Frank enjoyed fishing, hunting, and hanging out at Bulrush Golf Course in Rush City for an ice-cold Michelob Golden Light and visiting with friends. Frank is...

Mark Steven (Spence) Heath of Rush City passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, while under the care of hospice at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, at the age of 61. He was born November 30, 1962 to Claymond "Pappy" Heath and Ruby (Zornes) Davis while his mother was visiting relatives in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the youngest of nine half siblings. Mark lived in International Falls, MN until around age 10, when he and his mother moved to Rush City where he lived the rest of his life. As a child, Mark was an industrious Boy Scout; he had pet Beagle dogs that he adored. He attended Rush City schools and graduated in 1981. He went to Anoka AVTI for Small Engine Repair. He...

Stephen "Steve" Rand was born on December 22, 1949 to Donald Rand and Marian Carlson in Rush City, MN. He married his wife Colleen in 1972 and had three children: Kimberly, Stepheny, and Michael. Steve attended Pine City Vocational School for welding and worked at the Midland Gas and Co-Op in Rush City. In the mid-70's, he went to work at Amber Mill where he would work for 34 years. Through it all, Steve also helped his wife Colleen start her lawn service and landscaping company, a passion project turned professional business that would help support the family. He loved trains and classic cars. He spent hours every year attending the Almelund Threshing Show, the Anderson Threshing...

John Mell of Rush City passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the age of 71. He had struggled with congestive heart failure for many years and fought stubbornly to live life on his terms until the end. John Raymond Mell was born on May 30, 1952 to Wendell and Aylee (Anderson) Mell in Rush City, Minnesota. He attended Rush City schools graduating with the class of 1970 and was voted the class clown. His whole life he was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He always had a joke or funny story to make everyone laugh. John spent most of his career working as a carpenter and retired from the St. Paul Carpenters Union. In his earlier years, he was...

Ceil Shinler of Rush City passed away Monday, March 11, 2024 at her home at the age of 85. Cecilia Ann Chalupnik was born May 13, 1938 to Henry and Helen (Mlady) Chalupnik in Verdigre, Nebraska. In 1940 the family moved to a farm 5 miles south of Hinckley. Cecilia attended K-12 school in Hinckley. She enjoyed school and activities, especially the clarinet in Marching Band. When Cecilia was 14 & 15 she went to Hopkins during the summer to pick raspberries. The money she earned was used for school clothes. When Cecilia was 16 she was hired at Tobies Bus Stop in Hinckley as a waitress. She worked through summer vacations and weekends. She rented a room and stayed in Hinckley throughout...

Neal Eno Sederberg was born to Enoh and Olive (Nordin) Sederberg on October 3, 1939 in North Branch Township. He passed away at his home in Harris on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at the age of 84. He had been at Cambridge Medical Center since February 2nd, and the last five days with hospice care in the home. He attended Fish Lake School and North Branch Public Schools. He entered the U.S. Army in January 1959 and was honorably discharged in January 1961. He married Connie Balfanz in August of 1965, and had been married for 58 1/2 years at the time of his passing. They had two boys - Randy and Scott. Neal liked to fish and hunt until declining health kept him home. He had his last fishing...

On the early morning of Saturday, February 17, 2024, Terry Ray Ennen, 76, of Pine City, Minnesota passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family and his dog Scotter. Terry was born September 14, 1947, in Milaca Minnesota to Curtis and Maxine (Brandt) Ennen. Terry grew up in Cove Bay, Minnesota where he attended elementary school. He attended high school and played football at Onamia, Minnesota, and graduated in 1965. In December of 1965 he joined the Navy, where he served four years during the Vietnam war. He married the love of his life Karin White on July 29, 1969, in Webster SD. Terry met Karin at a dancehall, Skateland, in Deerwood, MN. Terry and Karin, first lived...

James Hjelm of Rush City passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the age of 76. Jim is survived by his children Jean (Mike) Ysbrand of Maple Grove, Patrick (Dee) Hjelm of Lebanon, Tennessee, Kelly (Terry) Nelson of Cambridge; 7 grandchildren; brother Jon (Barb) Hjelm of Greeley. Pending funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel wwww.FuneralAndCremationService.com

Barbara Lindstrom, life-long resident of the Pine City area, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Northern Pines Assisted Living at the age of 86. Barbara Jean France was born September 26, 1937 to George and Lillian (Carlson) France at her grandparent's farm in West Rock, Minnesota. She lived in Pine City with her parents and a dog, Spotty, until 1943 when they moved to a farm in West Rock. She attended elementary school in Pine City through second grade and started third grade at the West Rock country school. She walked to school, two miles each way everyday with her good friends Jeannie and Gloria, come rain, sunshine or snow. While on the farm she did many chores such as...

Carol Miskowitz of Pine City passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the age of 54. Carol Elizabeth Bjerke was born on June 21, 1969 to Eugene and Kathleen (Shephard) Bjerke in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Carol consistently placed family at the center of her world. She possessed a remarkable talent for transforming ordinary moments into cherished memories, ensuring that the holiday and events were as unique and special as the individuals themselves. Her heart overflowed with passion as she would craft exquisite quilts. Each one wrapping us up in her love. As with us, she nurtured her garden with tender care. Through the threads of her quilts and blossoms of her garden, she expressed her...

Kenneth R. Nordin of Pine City passed away on January 28, 2024 at the age of 87. He was born Kenneth Raymond Nordin on October 15, 1936 to John and Olga Nordin in Crosby, MN. He was the youngest of nine children. Kenneth served in the Army in the mid 1950's. In his younger years, Kenneth enjoyed many outdoor activities. He also enjoyed singing old hymns and country western songs. He married Carol Nordin who passed away in 1991. He later married Bonnie Sandin, but they divorced shortly thereafter. Kenneth is survived by sisters Violet Kuschel, Harriet (George) Bjork; children Kim (Darryl) Gunther, Eugene Nordin, Kari (Paul) Kramer, Lori (Tim) Romer, Julie (Ron) Erdahl; 13 grandchildren;...

Shirley Wagner, 86, of Rush City, MN passed away on Jan. 27, 2024. Shirley Johan Jeffers was born Oct. 1, 1937 to James & Cora Jeffers in McCook, NE. She is survived by her husband Willie Wagner of Rush City; children David & Teresa Wagner of MN, Randy & Paul Wagner of CA; daughter-in-law Kari Wagner of KS; brother-in-law Don Wagner of AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents James & Cora Jeffers; son Ron Wagner; and four siblings. Arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel www.FuneralAndCremationService.com

Steve Olson of Brooklyn Center passed away Friday, January 5, 2024 at his home at the age of 67. Steven Craig Olson was born December 26, 1956 to Myron and Audrey (Mell) Olson in Rush City, MN. The youngest of three children, Steve grew up and went to school in Rush City. He graduated in 1975 and was voted "Most Handsome". Steve enjoyed track and football, band and rollerskating in his youth. He excelled in music, mastering the piano, accordion and trumpet and played in several small groups and bands. In July 1976, Steve enlisted in the United States Army and after boot camp he was stationed in Alaska. He was honorably discharged in July 1980. For many years Steve worked as an overhead...

Janice "Jan" Olson passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Ecumen in North Branch at the age of 81. She married her husband of 58 years, Ronnie Olson of Rock Creek, on February 4, 1961, at the First Lutheran Church in Rush City. Jan owned and operated Jan's Beauty Salon in Rock Creek. She was also a member of the Rock Creek Homemakers. Jan is survived by her 3 children and their families: Sue (Chuck) Losinski and son, Tyler Losinski; daughter Sandie Osterhus (fianc? Chad Foos) and son Dylan Osterhus and grandson, Jaxon Osterhus; son Steve (Gwyn) Olson and daughters Jade Mikkelson and Alie Mikkelson and grandsons Noah and Lincoln Brenneman; sisters Lois (Myron) Larson and Becky...

Chris Henricks, age 59, of Rush City, passed away December 19, 2023. Chaplain Lee Beecher will officiate at services 11 AM Saturday, December 30, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. A time of visitation is planned from 4-8 PM, Friday, December 29, at the Olson Chapel in Rush City, and also one hour prior to the service. Olson Chapel, 320-358-4735, www.FuneralAndCremationService.com

Pam Malchow of Rush City passed away on December 2, 2023 at her home, at the age of 72. Pamela Rae Falk was born April 17, 1951 to Lawrence and Grace (Jordahl) Falk at the Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in Hennepin County. In 1961, when Pam was in the sixth grade the family moved from Richfield to Colombia Heights. During her school years she enjoyed both band and choir. She and Lou (Louis) met in school but didn't start dating until after high school. After graduation Pam worked with her dad's sister Mary at Northrup King. It was Mary that set Pam and Lou up for a date. On July 31, 1971 Pam and Lou were married. In 1972, they moved to Shorewood Park in Rush City not far from Pam's Malchow...

Larry Hemmer, 84, of Rush City, MN was called home on Friday, December 1, 2023. He was born December 12, 1938, to Francis and Evelyn (Scofield) Hemmer in Rush City where he lived most of his life. Larry met the love of his life, Margaret Resch, and they were married on October 4, 1958. They were blessed with six daughters. Margaret and Larry bought their first home in Almelund, MN in 1969. They built a pole shed, converted it to a cattle barn, and in 1972 Larry became a full-time dairy farmer. In 1978, they moved the farm to Rush City where Larry continued farming until 1988. After his farming days, Larry started a recycling business, Larry Hemmer Recycle, which he operated...

Jay Mitchell Mitthun of Rush City, Minnesota was born August 20, 1969 at Forest Lake Hospital to Dennis and Valerie (Thunstrom) Mitthun. He passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the age of 54. He was a quiet, trusting, soul who saw the best in everyone. He was gentle-hearted and never had a bad word to say. We knew we were loved by him, without the words being spoken. Jay's nephews and nieces were especially important to him. He and his mom were best friends. Growing up in North Branch, Jay loved hanging out with his friends?they were even able to get into a bit of mischief together. He worked as a teenager picking rocks on the Peterson farm in Almelund. Jay...

Lee Olson of New Hope passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope at the age of 77. Leland Myron Olson was born August 9, 1946 to Myron and Audrey (Mell) Olson in Rush City, Minnesota. Lee's motto in life has been "Live, Love and Laugh"! Drawn to comedians such as Red Skelton and W.C. Fields, Lee became "Choo-Choo the Clown". A member of the St. Paul Clown Club from 1995-2005, he took part in parades and performed at charity fundraisers. He also did Christian clowning at churches and nursing homes. Trains were his childhood love and he'd hop freight trains to take him from his hometown of Rush City to North Branch where he'd catch a ride home with...