Rev. Ralph H. Olsen Jr.

Rev. Ralph H. Olsen Jr.

Age 75 of Newport, formerly of Woodbury

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family's love on September 3, 2024. He graduated from Mundelein High School, Mundelein, Illinois, in 1967. Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, in 1971, and Lutheran Northwestern Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN, in 1975. His first call was to Augustana Lutheran Church, West St. Paul, then going on to being founding pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church, Woodbury, MN, serving there for 30 years. He did interim ministry at St. Philips Lutheran, Hastings, MN; Trinity Lutheran, Hammond, WI; and St. Paul Lutheran, Stillwater, MN. He also did ministry at Mt. Olivet Lutheran, Minneapolis, MN, First Lutheran, St. Paul, MN, and Union Gospel Mission, St. Paul, MN. Ralph was passionate about mission work and led numerous trips to Africa and Jamaica. He was an avid reader, loved music, sang in many choirs throughout his lifetime, and was always up for a game of cribbage. He loved all sports, particularly a devoted Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. He also loved watching his grandchildren in their many sports and activities. He was active in many organizations in the Woodbury/St. Paul area. He touched many lives with his compassionate heart and generosity.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Sr. and Kaye Olsen; parents-in-law, Clayton and Ardys Helling; brother-in-law, Mark Helling; and sister-in-law, Alicia Helling.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Andrea; daughters, Erica (Jeffrey) Reistad, Emily (Tony) Johnson, and Elise (Justin) Rasmussen; grandchildren Samuel and Andrew Reistad, Cooper and Chloe Johnson, and Griffin Rasmussen; and many close relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, with visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcome to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church or Our Lady of Peace Hospice.

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