After a life of love and quiet grace, Charles Roy Olson of Mound, MN has passed.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of his story.
The lessons of a parent travel forward, often without their name attached.
Charles "Charlie" Olson, a man of immense talent, relentless curiosity, and profound generosity, passed away after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. He leaves behind a legacy defined by his honest character and an unwavering willingness to help anyone in need.
In his professional life, Charlie was a rare talent who could bridge the gap between complex systems and human connection. He served as both a technology executive and a sales director, thriving in a dual role that few can balance. He was a consummate communicator who could win over any room, yet he possessed the technical mind to back up every word.
Charlie was a mastermind of practical engineering, possessing a mind that thrived on complexity. From building computers from scratch to restoring cars, delicate watches, and vintage stereos, he had an unrivaled grasp of how the world was put together and the steady hand to make it run perfectly.
The same precision and focus carried over into his hobbies. He was a natural athlete and a club champion on the golf course, and he took the time to patiently pass his respect for the game down to his sons. His competitive streak also made him a highly skilled marksman and formidable competitor in local matches.
Yet, for all his intense focus and skill, Charlie was truly a big kid at heart who never lost his sense of play. Out on the water, he had a fantastic mischievous streak- he was famous for his historic and legendary boat launches. It was also his mission to see just how far he could launch his kids off the tubes. Those who were there will never forget the stories.
Above all, Charlie was honest, incredibly generous with his time and talents, and a steady force for the people he loved. He was a true warrior and will be deeply missed. The family is profoundly grateful for the care and support provided by the Given Brain Center at Abbott Hospital.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Lisa; his children, Mathew, Samantha, Rachael (Jesse), and Patrick; his brother, Ted Larson; and his sisters, Nikki Liddy, Cindy Fritz (Royce), and Judy Miranda. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Mae Larson and Elroy Olson, and Carl Larson; his first wife, Tina Olson; and his sister, Janet Phillippi.
Charlie will be deeply missed by his family and by everyone who was lucky enough to experience his brilliance, humor, and big heart. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family charity of choice.
