Wayne F. Olson

beloved husband, father, “Papa”, brother, uncle and brother-in-law passed away peacefully while surrounded by family at his home on May 15, at age 83. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edith and William “Roscoe” Olson and his older brother, William “Bill” Olson, Jr. (Nancy). He will be missed by his wife, Phyllis, and his two daughters: Jennifer (Ross) Hawley and Sarah (Kevin) Wergeland as well as by seven grandchildren: Benjamin, Emily, Corinne, Samuel, William, Aaron and Owen; and many nieces and nephews.

Remembrance Prayer and Worship Service: Singing and Praying Our Goodbyes, 7:00PM, Wednesday, May 27th at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie. Visitation is one hour prior to the service [6:00PM].

Catholic Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00AM, Thursday, May 28th, at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie. Visitation is one hour prior to the service [10:00AM]. A luncheon will be served following the funeral.

Live stream provided at: https://www.paxchristi.com/live-stream-mass

A private internment, with honors, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will occur at a later date.

Wayne was born December 5, 1942 in Exira, IA, and moved to Sioux Falls, SD when he was twelve years old. He graduated from Washington High School in 1961. After high school, Wayne joined the Navy Reserves in 1961 and then later joined the United States Air Force in 1963 where he served for 4 years. Wayne attended basic training in Texas followed by language school in New York where he studied Russian. He was stationed in Las Vegas and served in Vietnam from 1966-1967. After the service, Wayne returned to Augustana College in Sioux Falls to complete his BA degree in Music, which was his life-long passion and a gift to those who enjoyed his music and theatrical performances. He also studied Theology at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN from 1972-1974.

After graduating college, Wayne played at Captain Koch’s Showboat in Wisconsin Dells for several summers as well as at Shakey’s Pizza Parlors in the Twin Cities. He met the love of his life, Phyllis Petry, and they married on August 14, 1976 in Rochester, MN. Early in their marriage, Wayne volunteered to play piano for their parish community’s worship services at St. Richard’s Catholic Community in Richfield. Wayne was hired as Director of Music and Worship at Resurrection Parish (now Our Lady of Peace). After working for the State of Minnesota as a Disability Claims Examiner for 17 years, Wayne returned to full time music ministry for the final three years of his working career as Director of Music and Worship at St. Richard’s. He was also an active member of the Pax Christi Catholic Community. Throughout his life, Wayne served his church communities as a cantor, a choir member, pianist, and lector.

Wayne was known by family, friends and his condo community for his wonderful Christmas and holiday sing-a-longs. Wayne often expressed that God had gifted him with musical talent and that the best way to honor God was to generously share that gift with others. He viewed music as a way to unite and bring joy to others. His music included many intimate moments with family and friends, many years participating in community choirs, and fulfilling his dream of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

It's impossible to summarize who Wayne was: a devoted husband and father, a loving “papa” and friend. Driven by deep passion, kindness, and tender-hearted compassion, his boisterous laugh, and joyful song, filled the room and our hearts. The faith that inspired and sustained him will forever leave an indelible imprint on our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Pacem in Terris Hermitage Retreat Center, a special place of peace and reflection where Wayne and Phyllis made retreats and volunteered. To donate online click the following link  https://www.givemn.org/organization/Pacem-In-Terris-1