Kirk Douglas Olson

Kirk Olson formerly of Pine City passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026 after a short illness, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, at the age of 55.

Kirk Douglas Olson was born February 18, 1971 to Howard and Elizabeth (Meyer) Olson in Rush City, Minnesota.

An avid sports fan and participant, Kirk attended Pine City High School where he was a manager for the football, basketball, and tennis teams. He took great delight in participating in Special Olympics including basketball, softball, and track and field. As a cross country skier, Kirk qualified for the International Special Olympics and represented Minnesota and the US at the 1989 winter games.

After completing high school at Pine City, Kirk enrolled in a vocational training program in Sandstone for two years before moving to the Brighter Day group home in Mora. At the same time, he began work at Industries Inc. where he worked for the past 35 years.

Kirk was a loving soul who brought delight to everything he did and shared that joy with all he met. He traveled widely with his family, spending time in all 50 states and on six continents. He especially loved close encounters with penguins in Antarctica, Africa, and South America. He attended every sporting event he could, cheering on the Minnesota sports team, but especially Gopher basketball, where he attended virtually every game for the last 35 years.

Kirk is survived by his brother Eric Olson of Pine City; his uncle and aunt Julian and Marie Qualley of Detroit Lakes; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Elizabeth Olson; and sister Kristin Anne.

Kirk was a dedicated Christian and a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City. Reverend John Stiles will officiate funeral services for Kirk: 11:00 AM; Friday (4/10/26) at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM; Thursday (4/9/2026) at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City, and in addition one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com