It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of our beloved sister, aunt, cousin, companion and friend, Kristi Olson.  Kristi passed away peacefully, shortly after 10:00 PM, Monday, January 20, 2020 at the Denver Health ICU Unit due to heart failure precipitated by a choking incident. During her last three days, Kristi was surrounded by family and friends and was able to listen to goodbye messages from many of her loved ones.

Kristi was born on December 23, 1943 into a tightly knit Norwegian community.  She was raised in Mauston, WI as the second of six siblings.  She earned her undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College and received Masters degrees in Social Work from University of Wisconsin, Madison and University of Oregon. Kristi worked in Oregon for twelve years and then moved to Denver and served as a social worker with Developmental Pathways and the Aurora Public Schools until her retirement in 2004.  Kristi was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Kristi was, and still is, a powerful force in the lives of many people.  Although she certainly was her own direct, intelligent and compassionate person, she inherited the best traits of both of her parents.  Her father, Harland, was a uniquely talented man.  He knitted sweaters and won prizes as a bow and arrow dear hunter; he was a skilled hog farmer and a fixer of electrical problems.  He greeted everyone with a huge smile and could draw out interesting conversations with even the most reticent people.  Her mother Bessie was quiet, intelligent and courageous.  She continually served as a champion of the poor and vulnerable even when it was not a popular thing to do.  The lives of her parents certainly influenced Kristi to serve as a social worker in her professional life and to spend countless hours sharing her time and talents with the church, charitable organizations family and friends.

It is hard for all of us to process the sudden passing of our dear, dear Kristi.  Although we were aware of her considerable health challenges which took away some of her passions such as hiking and travel, we never saw a decline in her passion for living!  She enjoyed being with people, laughing at meals, going out to concerts, attending Nuggets games, watching movies, reading good books, supporting the church and trying the latest restaurants.

Kristi is survived by her brothers, Hans and Paul and sisters, Ruth and Naomi and their families.  She was preceded in death by her parents Harland and Bessie and her youngest sister, Karla.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church 915 E. 9 ^th Street, Denver, CO 80218. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church in her name.

Although Kristi was taken from us we will carry her with us in our memories and hearts.  We are blessed to have had Kristi in our lives.  Rest in peace dear Kristi.