August 27, 1969 - July 21, 2023
Patrick Richard Olson
Age 53, passed away in the evening on Friday, July 21 from an unexpected heart attack while playing hockey at the Richfield Ice Arena.
Pat was born in St. Cloud on August 27, 1969, to his birth mother Lucille Haslego, and grew up in Willmar, MN with his mother, Carole and brother, Mike. Growing up he played football, baseball and hockey. Hockey was his main sport, he played on the varsity team for Willmar Senior High School starting his sophomore year and the US Select Elite team. After graduating in 1988, he enlisted in the US Army and served in the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) and the Gulf War. He served as a Private First Class and was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal.
He attended classes at Normandale Community College where he met his wife of nearly 29 years, Bridget. Together they had two kids: Hannah and Bailey whom they raised in Richfield, MN. He also had a son-in-law, Drew, and grandson Phillip. Pat was a fun-loving, goofy, and dedicated father who enjoyed cooking, barbequing, and baking for his family.
He worked many jobs over the years, including Video Update (due to his love of movies), Best Buy Corporate, Sunburst Chemicals, and most recently as a Truck Driver for Transport America after getting his commercial driver’s license in 2020. The work he was most passionate about was his time spent as a DJ, first for Sounds Great Music then his own business P.R.O. Music DJ. He enjoyed sharing his love for music with others by working weddings, and volunteering at school dances, Richfield hockey and baseball games and the Urban Wildland Half Marathon in Richfield. He received the Richfield Citizen of the Year Award in 2012 for his services to the community.
Throughout his life he was most proud of his work as a coach for his children and nephews youth sports teams. For a collective of 20 plus years he coached for Richfield Slow-pitch Softball Association, Richfield Youth Hockey, Baseball, and Football Associations, and Apple Valley Youth Hockey Association. He is remembered as a coach who cared for and encouraged each player as if they were his own kid.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Bridget (née, Ramm) Olson; children, Hannah (Drew) Johnson and Bailey Olson; grandson, Phillip Johnson; brother, Mikal Olson; nieces and nephews, Landon and Lindsey Leet, and Marshall, Ben and Eliana Link; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Colleen and Ken Pilcher; birth mother, Lucille Haslego; and many other friends, family and loyal pets.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carole Olson; grandfather, Lester Johnson; and father-in-law, Loren Ramm.
“For Whom The Bell Tolls/ Time Marches On” - Metallica
Visitation
Thursday, July 27, 2023
4:00PM - 7:00PM
Memory Sharing at 6:00PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
We ask that you wear your favorite sports jersey, or graphic t-shirt inspired by a movie or musical artist who brought you joy.
Afterwards, there will be a final toast to his life in the Richfield Ice Arena parking lot - BYOB.
Interment
Friday, August 25, 2023
11:00AM
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Meet at 10:45AM in Lane 6
Bridget, I am so very sorry for your loss! But I am so very happy that you called to let me know. I will try my hardest to be there to support you and your loved ones.
Bridget, Hannah & Bailey,
We were so sad to hear about Pat’s passing. He was such a great coach to Zack and so generous with his time. Him DJ-ing Lindsey’s sweet 16 made it so much more special. He will be missed. Please take care of yourselves, I can’t imagine what you must be going through right now. Your family is truly in our thoughts.
Bridget, Hannah, and Bailey,
We are incredibly sorry to hear of your loss. I have great memories of Pat’s fun personality and love for music. I remember him DJing softball awards nights at Veteran’s park for the kids and having the time of his life. He will be greatly missed.
With love,
Rachel, Josh, and Riley Pierce
I was very heartbroken to hear the news of Patrick’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Although I never met Patrick face to face He was a voice I talked to almost everyday. He was one of my route drivers who became a friend. I am truly sorry for your loss! He will be very missed!
I was his squad leader during desert storm. Pat was a good soldier and I will always remember him
Bridget, Hannah, and Bailey,
We are so sad to hear of Pat’s passing.
We have so many great memories of Pat and each of you whether from games Pat coached or announced, his teeing up a favorite song at the half-marathon finish, cross-country events, and the many get togethers when the kids were younger. We’re so sorry for your loss. You’re in our hearts and prayers.
With love,
The Blanchard’s
Bridget, I am so incredibly saddened in hearing about your loss of Pat! Know that you and all of your family are in my heart, and all of my thoughts and prayers are with you! ❤
Bridget, Bailey and Hannah, I am so very sorry for your loss. I did not get much time to spend interacting with Pat while at my brothers, but the times we did was awesome and entertaining! My thought and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time!