Kyle L. Olson, a 28-year-old resident of Parkers Prairie, passed very suddenly on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, as a result of injuries incurred in a farming accident. The funeral service is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, under the leadership of Rev. Ben Dyrhaug. The burial will be held privately for the family at the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery in Parkers Prairie. The visitation will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, May 13, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. It will also continue for one hour before the ceremony.
According to Paul Harvey, God observed his intended paradise on the eighth day and decided that a caretaker was necessary. Someone who possesses the ability to unite a family via the gentle yet powerful connections of sharing, and who would respond with a combination of laughter, sighs, and a warm gaze when their son expresses the desire to pursue a career similar to their own. God created a farmer and bestowed upon him the gift of a son.
Kyle Laverne Olson was born on July 13, 1995, to Joyce (Wark) Olson and his deceased father, Bruce Olson. He underwent the sacraments of baptism and confirmation at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. Kyle completed his secondary education at Parkers Prairie High School and obtained his degree from Ridgewater Community College in Willmar. Only a fortunate few are born with their vocation predetermined. Kyle was an individual who fit this description. As a farmer by birth, his hobbies and activities were closely connected to the land that his family had been farming for almost four decades.
He had a strong preference for John Deere tractors and Ford trucks. Kyle was actively involved in agriculture during his high school years. He was a member of the Spruce Hill Rangers 4-H Club, where he raised and showcased turkeys, pigs, and cattle at both the Douglas County Fair and the Minnesota State Fair. Additionally, Kyle was a dedicated member of the Parkers Prairie FFA Chapter, where his commitment to farming earned him prestigious accolades such as the State Degree, Star Chapter Farmer, and Star Chapter Placement honors.
When his closest companions managed to persuade him to leave the farm briefly, he derived pleasure from engaging in hunting activities with his sister Chelsea, as well as spending time with his pals engaging in snowmobiling, trap shooting, listening to country music, visiting rodeos, and occasionally embarking on adventurous trips outside of town. Those fortunate enough to have been acquainted with Kyle were familiar with his playful demeanor, captivating grin, and kind disposition. The extent of his affection for animals was particularly apparent in his attentive and devoted treatment of the spaniels that accompanied him during his tasks and while they rode in the front seat of his truck.
At an early age, his father ceased farming to pursue religious service, and Kyle continued the Olson farming legacy by following in his father’s footsteps. He continues the custom of giving his grandma Bev a May Day cake each year, and is often surrounded by children from the daycare who eagerly ask for a hug or a high five. Concerned by the lack of noise in the house due to Bruce’s absence, Joyce, his mother, would not find any tranquility as Kyle started a daily routine of loudly opening the door and shouting “Where’s the eccentric lady?” This caused the spaniels to quickly run through the house in search of her. His capacity to playfully provoke those he cared about was limitless and refined by his sister Chelsea, who made it clear from the beginning that the taunting would always be returned.
Kyle’s initial passion was devoted to spending time cultivating the fields, nourishing the cattle, and engaging in agricultural discussions with his father Bruce and uncle Gary. Without a doubt, the time he spent in the tractor always brought him immense delight and pride, even in the most challenging moments, and nothing could wipe the smile off his face. Concerns about Kyle’s excessive time on the farm can be easily dispelled by observing the frequent videos and photos he regularly shares with friends and family. These visual records showcase his enthusiasm for a triumphant departure of a batch of turkeys, the initial cultivation of the field for the season, and the paternal pride he exudes while presenting a newly born shorthorn calf.
He passed away before his father, Bruce, and his maternal grandparents, Wallace and Viola Wark. His paternal grandfather, Laverne Olson, also passed away. Additionally, his aunts and uncles, Ronald Wark, Richard Wark, Walter Wark, Carol Wark, James Wark, Nancy Wark, and Patricia Ellwanger, as well as his second cousin, Bryton Trosdahl, also preceded him in death. Furthermore, his spaniels, Lacey, Tinker, and Betty Lou, have also passed away.
Kyle is survived by his mother, Joyce Olson, his sister Chelsea (Arnie) Nelson, his grandmother Beverly Olson, his aunts and uncles Linda (Dick) Trosdahl, Gary (Kathee Carlson) Olson, Barb (John) Hautla, Kathy (Karl Zimmerman) Davis, Annie Wark, Jeff Wark, and Bruce Wark, his cousins Rob (Tammy) Trosdahl, Laura (Jake) Grefsrud, Charlie Olson, John Davis, Jason Davis, Sarah (Kevin) Nelson, Tanya (Scott Korkowski) Makela, Marcus (Heather) Hautla, Pam (Shon) Bradley, Matt (Nina) Wark, Jo Marie (Terry) Hansen, and Dan Ellwanger, his second cousins Aksel, Blair, Theo, Ryker, Bella, Kylie, Liam, Austin, Mason, Cole, Asher, Bailee, Bowen, Alannah, and Zailey, as well as his spaniel, Henry, and numerous friends.
The pallbearers for the event include Brandon Schroeder, Jake Suchy, Trent Hagen, Will Schroeder, Michael Kalpin, Dan Ellwanger, Matt Wark, and Rob Trosdahl. The individuals serving as honorary pallbearers are Cory Dockendorf, Brett Petersen, Anthony “Wash” Anker, Sidnee Olson, and Martin Lee.
