Charles Michael Olson

Charles Michael Olson, 62, unexpectedly went to join his Savior on Monday, April 20, 2015 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN. His life began on June 29, 1952 in LaMoure, N.D., son of Marvin and Wilma Olson.It was in LaMoure that Chuck attended grade and high school, and working with his father gained a passion for woodworking, design, and construction.On June 7, 1975, he was married to Judy A. Berg of Lignite, N.D., and together they were blessed with two sons, Brian and Adam. In addition to being a blessing to his family, Chuck brought his talents and skills to the architectural arena.After earning a post-graduate degree in architecture from North Dakota State University, he focused his talents on healthcare architecture, beginning in Fargo, North Dakota with architecture firms as well as Lutheran Health Systems.In 1988, the family moved to Rochester, MN where Chuck continued his career at Mayo Clinic.He coordinated many building projects, specializing in hospital facilities at St. Marys and Methodist hospitals.Chuck incorporated Mayos philosophy of The needs of the patient come first into all of his work, and always took enormous pride in showcasing the wonderful aspects of Mayo, from the outside of building through the artwork in the clinic.He was also able to apply these talents towards his work with various civic organizations, including Samaritan Bethany, North Dakota State University, and the Rochester Heritage Preservation Committee. Throughout his life, Chuck took great interest in many things, which turned into lifelong hobbies and passions.He was a master woodworker, and loved spending time in the shop.Chuck also loved getting outdoors, especially on the water, where he was able to pursue his passion of bass fishing.He spent hours on the Mississippi River, on fishing trips up North, as well as on a chain of lakes outside Park Rapids.It was here where he and Judy fulfilled a lifes dream of owning a lake cabin.He always treasured his memories at the cabin with Judy, friends, and family. Throughout life, the rudder of Chucks life was his faith in Jesus Christ.Chuck particularly loved to express his faith in song in the church choir. Among the many people who will greatly miss Chuck and be inspired by great memories with him include his wife, Judy; son, Brian (Terrah) Olson of Madison, WI; son, Adam (Angie) Olson of Northfield, MN; granddaughters, Rhiannon and Tessa, of Madison, WI; and brother, Greg (Sandy) of Dent, MN.He was greeted in heaven by his parents, Marvin and Wilma Olson. A celebration of Chucks life will be held Friday, April 24th at 11 A.M. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.Visitation is from 4-7 P.M. Thursday, April 23rd at the Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, and will continue one hour before the funeral services.Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Poverello Foundation at Mayo Clinic and to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and friends may share memories at ranfranzandvinefh.com. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN (507) 289-3600