Rachele Olson

Rachele Marie Olson, age 48, passed away peacefully, after a courageous battle, surrounded by family and love.

Born on August 22, 1976, to William and Patricia (Sanders) Karas in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, Rachele grew up in Pine City, Minnesota. Living on her family farm, she learned the value of hard work early on, helping with chores and working alongside her parents and siblings. She attended Pine City schools. She was a proud graduate of Pine City High School in 1994 and the College of St. Benedict’s in St. Joseph, MN in 1998. Rachele never strayed far from home, preferring the comfort and closeness of Pine City and the deep roots she had planted there.

On July 22, 2006, Rachele married the love of her life, Kurt Olson. Their love story grew even brighter with the birth of their son, Parker Thomas, on December 30, 2008. Parker was the light of Rachele’s life — her pride, her joy, and her greatest blessing.

Over the years, Rachele worked a variety of jobs — from fast food to substitute teaching — but found her true calling in her work with Family Pathways, where she spent the majority of her career serving others with warmth and compassion.

Rachele had a zest for life and a heart that made room for everyone. She was always willing to try something new and loved adventure. Though she loved to sleep in, she never missed a chance to explore a quirky museum, visit a bakery or candy store, or take a spontaneous road trip. One of her greatest personal goals was to visit all 50 states — and she proudly made it to 45. She found joy in the simple pleasures: gardening, thrifting, scrapbooking, diamond painting, and baking — especially her beloved Christmas cookies. Rachele was a great cook and contributed some amazing dishes to family gatherings. She hosted a garage sale every year, collected odds and ends, and could never pass up a good bargain.

She enjoyed playing bingo with her best friend, Stephanie, and the occasional trip to the casino; always up for a little fun and a chance at a win. At home, she loved to play board games with family. She was always up to tubing behind the boat. She loved fall and Halloween especially — including helping start her family’s haunted house. She was an avid reality TV fan, with Survivor as her all-time favorite.

Rachele also took great pride in her son’s unique and ever-changing collection of pets, embracing each new creature with love and curiosity. She was a devoted aunt who attended many games, concerts, and plays; always cheering on her nieces and nephews with pride and enthusiasm.

Rachele had a feisty spirit — sometimes ornery — and kept that spark all the way to the end. Her warmth, humor, and generous soul will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Rachele is survived by her loving husband Kurt Olson; son Parker Olson; father Bill Karas; mother Patti Karas all of Pine City; siblings Shanna (Blair) Reynolds of Inver Grove Heights, Billy Karas, Chanda Johannes both of Pine City, Brandon (Dorothy) Karas, Brent (Mandy) Karas all of Rock Creek; nieces/nephews Natalie Reynolds, Rachel Reynolds, Dylan Andersen-Hernandez, Deven Karas, Easton Johannes, Elexis Johannes, Lillianna Williams, Brody Karas, Jaxon Karas, Kaitlyn Karas, Ashlyn Karas, Eliah Karas, Everett Karas, Edison Karas, Eizen Karas; many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her infant niece Eagan Karas.

Rachele's family invites you to a memorial gathering:11:00 AM-1:00 PM; Friday, June 27th at Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City, and a celebration of Rachele's life: 1:00-6:00 PM; Friday (6/27) at Rock Creek City Center in Rock Creek.

Funeral arrangements Rachele Olson are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com