Christy Olsen

Christy Junior Olsen, 87, was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Nina Olsen; brothers, William (Bill), Garel (Dutch), and Gale Leek; and sister, Martha Luedtke. Survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen; children, Dr. Chris (Judy) of Honolulu, Arlie (Evelyn) of Blooming Prairie, Donn (Mari) of Rochester, Dr. Sheri Olsen (Louis Haddad, Ph.D.) of Mendota Heights, Minn., and Luann Quayle (Peter) of Roseville, Minn.; grandchildren, Taryn, Anne Wagner (Mark), Christy (Cara), Paul (Ashley), Matthew (Jasey), Alex (Jessica), Jefferson, Karyn Riewe (Cory), Eleanor and Solomon Quayle; 13 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law; one sister-in-law; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Christy was born at home on Jan. 8, 1928, in Bancroft, Iowa, and attended country school through the eighth grade. He served in the Navy from 1946-48, and was stationed in Hawaii. He was united in marriage with Helen Graham on June 27, 1948, in Burt, Iowa. In February 1949, they moved to a farm outside of Blooming Prairie. They farmed there for 40 years, raising beef cattle, hogs and corn. Their home was blessed with five children, and they were active supporters of a variety of school activities, as well as 4-H and FFA. Christy was always very proud that each of his children went on to earn college degrees.

Christy was a member of Blooming Prairie United Methodist Church, Christ United Methodist Church, American Legion, Farm Bureau, and the Minnesota Cattlemen's Association — serving as President from 1981-83. They had many friends, loved to travel, and he seemed to run into someone he knew wherever they went. He loved people, having a dog to pal around with, a joke that was so funny he could barely get the punchline out, and Helen's baking.

Christy always kept a positive attitude, no matter what came along. He and Helen moved to Prairie Manor Care Center in June 2013. Ever the supporter of education and medical research, Christy donated his body to Mayo Clinic College of Medicine upon his death on Dec. 9, 2015.

There will be a celebration of his life on Jan. 2, 2016, at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 Fifth Ave. SW, Rochester. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a memorial service at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Christ United Methodist Church or Prairie Manor Care Center.

"Your chores are done, you can rest."