Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
McKenna Lynn "Muffin" Olson
McKenna Lynn "Muffin" Olson
Obituary
Guest Book
McKenna Olson Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nikki Frakes
July 5, 2007
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Dee Lange
July 3, 2007
Still thinking of adorable Muffin. May you find comfort knowing she's in good hands - Jesus loves the little children, and McKenna must be the love of his life.
Faith
July 3, 2007
I continue to pray for you, Shannon and Rand. God keep you as you continue to miss your sweet McKenna Lynn.
Faith
July 14, 2006
I have been praying for your family ever since I read your story. I will keep you in my prayers, Shannon and Rand. I am so sorry for your loss.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Molly Manley
July 12, 2006
Dear Olson Family, I have never met you however I feel so much hurt and sadness for all that you have been through. I hope that you all can take some comfort from knowing that by sharing your lives with all of us who never knew Drew or McKenna, by doing so you have strengthened many families and made many people realize how important their loved ones are. All of my prayers and my whole heart go out to your family and friends. Your children were beautiful and precious, I hope you have many wonderful memories and I wish you the best in the days, months and years to come, please continue to fight for children with Alpers and please try to keep everyone informed of what we can do to help.
Rocki
July 11, 2006
Dear Olson Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. I have followed your site for some time, and feel as though you are part of my family. My heart goes out to you and if I could take away some of your pain, I would surely do it. Please know there are many of us here in your corner. God Bless You All!
Darcy Nelson
July 11, 2006
Shannon and Randy, I am so sorry to hear of McKenna's passing. Your family has gone thru more than anyone should have to in many lifetimes. Please accept my prayers for yourselves, McKenna and Drew. May the Good Lord comfort you in your time of need.
Heather
July 10, 2006
I saw your story on the news awhile back, and prayed often for you and your family. My heart broke when I came across McKenna's obituary. I knew right away it was the girl I had prayed so hard for the Lord to cure. I'm so sorry for your loss. May God's grace help you during this difficult time. I'll continue to pray for you, your family and loved ones.
God Bless
Terry & Christy Tomann
July 10, 2006
Soar with the Angels - Sweet Drew and McKenna. Watch from heaven over all those who's lives you have touched. We celebrate your lives and cry that God needed you back so soon. We embrace your family with our sorrow.
Rochelle HABECK
July 10, 2006
Shannon and Family,
My heart and thoughts go out to your family!!! I pray for you and wish you peace with time in healing!! I am a friend and co-workers of Stacey and Shelley at Northstar and I lost my sister on June 16, 2006. It was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I am still having a very hard time with the concept of never seeing her again, but as I am told over and over again...Time heals and makes things more tolerable, even though you can't belive it.. We were so close and so close in age as well..only 13months apart. So I know how it feels to loose someone so close to you that is family. So once again, I pray for healing and a strong faith in the lord to bring your family peace and togetherness.
With love and prayers always!!
Shelley Brusehaver
July 10, 2006
I wish I had the words to express how sorry I am about Muffin. I like so many are thankful to have had the chance to know your beautiful children. They will always remain near and dear in my heart.
Love you always
Shell
Rachel Becker
July 10, 2006
Shannon & Family; I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. She was beautiful and I know she's laughing and playing with her big brother in a wonderful place. I pray for peace for your family and continued strength.
Tami Baribeau
July 10, 2006
I am very sorry to hear about your loss =( I have been following this story and attended the benefit and been praying for her and your family. I am sorry that the miracle you were hoping for has not come...I hope you find peace knowing that she is in God's arms with her brother Drew and that you'll see her again someday.
Great Aunt Kak
July 9, 2006
Dear Shannon and Rand, I can think of nothing worse then what you've gone through. I love you all so much and it's been terrible to see the pain you're in and know there is nothing I can do or say to make things any easier for you. I hope you find strength in all the kind words people have expressed. I'm truly amazed by the out pouring of love so many people have shown you. And many of them you've never even met. There are so many people who love and care about you Shannon and Rand. I pray you find comfort and peace and trust in God to bring you through this.
Brande
July 8, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss! She has touch a lot of lives. She will be missed.
umma
July 8, 2006
Dearest Shannon and Rand, All thou I donot no you I can relate all to well. My precious Grandaughter Hannah has a terminal illness. Every day every minute is a blessing. I have thought about you and your precious angels so often. No one one knows why, but everyone is put on this earth to complete and assignmewnt, your precious son and daughter did just that. They touched and changed many lives. May God hold his loving arms around you until you our all together again..
Jane Voorhees
July 7, 2006
I am sorry for the loss of your beautiful little McKenna. She is now in heaven with Drew and the angels are watching over her. God will hold you in His arms and be your strength in the days and weeks to come. Blessings. Love in Christ, Jane Voorhees
Tiffany Masterson
July 7, 2006
May you feel the love and comfort of a loving Heavenly Father. He knows all. He understands all. Precious Muffin is so beautiful. She has her sweet brother to show her around.
Trina Pauly
July 7, 2006
I followed Mckenna's Caringbridge site . I know there are no words to help right now but Mckenna is so lucky to have her big brother up there to hold her hand, Your family has two beautiful angels watching over you. I will be thinking of you tomorrow and saying a prayer for strength to help your family through the tough day ahead.
Jenni Sanders
July 7, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Stacy
July 7, 2006
As parents, all we want and hope for our child is that they will leave the world a better place than it was. McKenna far surpassed this. May your entire family find peace in the days, months, and years ahead. I am SO sorry for your loss.
Tracie Klemenhagen
July 7, 2006
Hi McKenna,
You were such a brave and strong little girl! I am so happy that I was able to meet you at your benefit a few months ago. You have such a beautiful smile. I will treasure the pictures I had taken of you and your family and the blankets that I had won at the silent action. Right now, I bet you are having so much fun running around and giggling with your brother, Drew. Shannon and Rand, thank you so much for sharing your daughter with us and keeping us up to date on the caringbridge website. I will miss reading about McKenna. Cameron, you have been such a great brother to both McKenna and Drew and you should be so proud of yourself. The most recent pictures taken really captured the look of love McKenna feels for you. Please take comfort that one day you will all be together again and you will never have to say goodbye again. McKenna, until me meet again....I will miss you.
Ellen - a friend of the Hughes
July 7, 2006
I am so saddened by the news of her death. Your loss is overwhelming. We have prayed often for your family. Thanks for being so candid with your caring bridge entries - we all learn from you as you have walked us through the realities of your pain and grief. We are so sorry that you have had to go through this - not once or even twice, but ever! Hang on to Jesus dear ones! We will keep you in our prayers.
Shelrae Freetly
July 7, 2006
Our prayers and thoughts are with you....take care
Diana
July 7, 2006
I am so sorry. Words can not express how my heart breaks for your family. You are in our prayers.
A Mom
July 7, 2006
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful baby girl. I saw your story on the news and can not imagine what you are going through right now. I want you to know that your children are in heaven shining down upon you now. God bless you and your family through these difficult times.
July 7, 2006
I am so very sorry for the loss of this BEAUTIFUL ANGEL! I hope that it is of some comfort to you that your family is in the prayers of many, many people. McKenna has touched so many lives in her all too short lifetime. For that you can be thankful. May God bless you!
Nikki Frakes
July 7, 2006
Words can not express how sorry I feel. Muffin will be remembered in our hearts forever. i am always here for you.
Love you all.
Debbie Freetly-Green
July 7, 2006
Shannon & Rand,
Words simply cannot express how truly sorry I am for your loss and for all that you have endured over the past 3 years. Your children are beautiful and will be deeply missed by all of us who love you and them. Thank you for sharing your children with us. I am truly blessed to have you in my life!
July 7, 2006
I am truly sorry at the loss of your precious Muffin. What a reunion that must have been in Heaven for your two little Angels! I will pray for your entire family.
July 7, 2006
She is beautiful, I am so sorry
McKenna with her Auntie Kelli
July 7, 2006
Mckenna getting kisses from Braxy, Cam and Bria
July 7, 2006
July 7, 2006
Although we pray for miracles, they don't always happen. However, the miracle here is that she is with God and her brother and you WILL be with her in the next life. God Bless You as you grieve. Peace and all good.
A Mother of another angel
Clover Awaijane
July 7, 2006
Dearest Olson Family,
I have been following your caring bridge site for months now and I am devastated to learn of McKenna's passing. Know that your family is covered in prayer during this time and our family is continually thinking of you.
I hugged my daughter last night and told her how much I loved her and thought of how much I have learned from you and McKenna by reading your posts. Thank you for helping me truly understand what it means to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. May God carry you through this difficult time and bring you to a place of healing.
Resendez Family
July 7, 2006
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Wanda Jean Walker
July 7, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to you Rand and Shannon. I'm crying with you.
Please feel my hugs as you hold each other tight.
A Mom
July 7, 2006
I'm sorry for the loss of your little girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary P.
July 7, 2006
My Heart Goes Out To Your Family. I Have Followed Your Entries On The Caring Bridge Site For Quite Some Time. I Know There Aren't Any Comforting Words For You. Just Know That Your Children Will Watch Over You All Forever.
Tricia Dietrich
July 7, 2006
Thinking of your family during this time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts constantly and I pray that you find strength and peace in the days to come.
Bonnie Florek
July 7, 2006
Rand, Shannon and Cam,
My thoughts and prayers are with you once again as you face this sad journey ahead. Take care of one another and be comforted by the knowledge that Drew is now taking care of his baby sister. Many blessings and prayers to each of you.
Tammie Morris
July 7, 2006
im sorry to hear about McKenna...I also have two angels in heaven. ........................Big hugs to the family Tammie
JoAnn Haider
July 7, 2006
What a beautiful angel she is! I am sorry for your loss.
Kristie Wilmer
July 7, 2006
God Bless you all. So sorry for all that you are going through. In our thoughts and prayers constantly.
Anne Dixon
July 7, 2006
Mckenna will be missed and she has touched so many lives. She is now at peace and playing with her big brother Drew and GG in heaven with no more troubles. We love you little muffin.
Kristie Bredeson
July 7, 2006
We are so sorry for your loss of McKenna. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Perry, Kristie, Courtney, Ryan and Tyler Bredeson
Dee Lange
July 7, 2006
Shannon, Rand and Cameron: What a day of celebration. To have loved McKenna so much is to let her leave into the hands of God and big brother Drew. Thank you for sharing your family with us along your journey. We are all praying for your family.
A mother
July 7, 2006
May God bless you and your beautiful angel. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracie Klemenhagen
July 7, 2006
Hello McKenna,
You were such a brave and strong little girl! You gave us so much to be hopeful for so much to be grateful for. We will miss seeing those beautiful eyes and your little smiles. I am so happy that I was able to meet you at your benefit and I will forever treasure the picture taken of you and the wonderful blankets that I had won from the silent auction. Thank you Shannon and Rand for sharing your little girl with all of us who read her caringbridge website daily. McKenna, have fun running around giggling and chasing your brother Drew. Until we meet one another again.....
Carol Bistodeau
July 7, 2006
Dear Shannon, Rand & Cameron,
We are so saddened to hear about the passing of your precious Muffin. May the love of family and friends surround you in comfort.
Your Friends at Wishes & More
Katie A.
July 7, 2006
Dear Olson Family,
I feel fortunate to have met McKenna. She touched my life and the lives of so many others at Children's Hospital in St. Paul. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Katie A. (PICU nurse)
Kristin Ryan
July 7, 2006
Dear Shannon, Rand, and Cameron,
I am the gal who made McKenna’s dragonfly quilt. I have been following your children’s website ever since, and was so saddened to hear about McKenna’s passing. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. I know, we also had to bury a child of our own. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
“Those we have held
in our arms
for a little while,
we hold in our hearts
forever”
Aimee Hood
July 7, 2006
I am so sorry. I pray God will comfort you with peace and hold you closely in His loving arms.
Shannon
July 7, 2006
I have been following your families story and prayed for McKenna the whole way. I am sorry for your loss and you all will be in my prayers.
July 7, 2006
So sorry for your loss, she is a beautiful little angel. You and your family are in my prayers.
A Mother
July 7, 2006
As a mother I wanted to say that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I have followed McKenna's story and could not imagine losing a child. You are strong parents and I want you to know that God is very lucky to have her with him.
sheila gardner
July 7, 2006
with deepest sympathy and heartfelt compassion as you send your sweet muffin into the arms of her brother who has been preparing this special place in heaven for her. Imagine the beatiful reunion
Lynn Miller
July 7, 2006
I have been following Drew and McKenna doer a long time and I am so sad to see that she is now gone too. She is so beautiful and everybody she met has been affected by her passing. i will continue to pray for your family in this time of need. i jsut understand why God took 2 of your babies. NOT FAIR!!
A Loving Mother
July 7, 2006
To lose a child is something no parent should have to go throuh.
To lose a second is heartbreaking.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cindy Stoewer
July 7, 2006
Parents everywhere empathize with you. You have went through more than anyone should ever have to go through. God has a master plan and your two angels must be the most important part of it. God Bless everyone. I am but a stranger to you, but do feel great sadness.
Lynne M
July 7, 2006
I am one of the many "Strangers" who has followed your Story for quite sometime. My Heart just sank when I saw that McKenna had lost her fight! Even though I have no Children of my own, I love them just the same and can't begin to imagine what you are going through. I Do know that you were wonderful Parents, and your Love shines through in the Pictures at Caring Bridge. I will keep your Family close in my thoughts and prayers. Everytime I see a Butterfly I will think of your Two Beautiful Children soaring in Heaven! Keep their Memories Alive in your Hearts and they will be with you each and every day.....
Showing 1 - 61 of 61 results
20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044
Make a Donation
in McKenna Olson's name
People and places connected with McKenna
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support McKenna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor McKenna Olson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored