Patricia Kay Olevson

Patricia Kay Olevson, 70, of Kasson, MN passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Pat was born on May 14, 1950 in Skyberg, MN to Kenneth and June (Keller) Vangness.  She graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School in 1968.  Then married her high school sweetheart, Gary Olevson on October 4, 1969 in Kasson, MN.

In the early years of marriage, she enjoyed the role of military wife while living and traveling around the world with Gary.  Their first child, Jeff, was born just a few adventurous years later in Guam, territory of the US.  Shortly after, they moved back to their hometown, Kasson, MN; settling in just before they welcomed their second child, Missy.

Pat then started her career at Mayo Clinic Rochester.   After holding many positions there, in her early 50’s she returned to school at Cardinal Stritch and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in 2006.  You would often hear her say, “It’s never too late to go back to school, and I’m proof of that.” She dedicated a lifetime of work to Mayo and had planned to retire this year with 44 years of service.

Pat loved to stay busy and learn new things.  She especially loved gardening, reading books, monthly casino trips with Gary, knitting and cross-stitching.  Pat also had a passion for travel, and was fortunate enough to travel for work, with Gary, and with her family on many occasions.  In retirement, she planned to finally learn how to quilt- just one of her many future lists and plans that she was always making.  No matter how much of a planner she was, she also understood the value of the days we have, and truly lived every day to the fullest.  A summer day that wasn’t spent at the lake with all of her many friends and loved ones… was meant to plan for the next visit to the lake.  For more than 40 years she called Lemieux Resort a second home; cherishing a night spent sitting by the fire, a day with family and friends on the pontoon (also her favorite place to drink champagne), watching a firework show on the lake, and more than anything experiencing all that lake life has to offer with her grandchildren.  Above all else, Pat loved spending time with her grandchildren.  She would often have them over to share her love of baking (whipping up whatever they asked for), do fun arts-and-crafts projects, and always attending their activities.  Love of her family drove her in everything she did.  She was known as someone who would bring family and friends together, always getting excited to plan or host holiday parties, birthdays, and celebrations.  Her love and devotion to family was never more evident than in her last few days of life, when all of the love that she gave came back to her in the form of non-stop visits from family and friends- exactly the way she would have planned it.

Pat is survived by her beloved husband, Gary; her children, Jeff Olevson (Julie Covey) of Fountain, MN and Missy (Kyle) Nelson of Kasson, MN; grandchildren, Shelbie Heinlein, Makayla Olevson, Jacob Nelson, Breauna Covery, and Alan Mouchet; siblings, Jeannie Vangness, Roger (Karen) Vangness, Louie (Cathy) Vangness, Bev (Dan) Harris, Steve (Gayle) Vangness, Sandi (Dean) Solberg, and Sheri (Chuck) Finger. Pat also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and close work and family friends.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, nephew, JJ (Jeremy) Harris, and many aunts and uncles.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2020 at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7 ^th Street SE in Kasson, MN.

In lieu of a traditional funeral, Pat’s wishes will be honored in a Celebration of Life with family at a later date.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be her memory.