Michael John Olson

Michael John Olson, 44, of Santa Rosa, CA, passed away February 10, 2025.

He was born February 24, 1980 in Palm Springs, CA, the son of Christine (Coonan) Olson. Michael's faith provided a foundation for his life from early on, as he was raised Catholic and grew up attending Saint Mary of the Valley Catholic Parish in Yucca Valley, CA where he would occasionally (served) as a youth alter server at Mass. He attended and graduated from Yucca Valley High School.

Michael moved to Ukiah, CA a couple years later and worked for a forestry service, helping to clear trees and branches for utility companies. He also worked for a local powersports company in Ukiah.

He moved to Santa Rosa, CA about seven years ago and was most recently employed with Jim Bone Nissan where he was a Parts Manager.

Michael lived a life deeply connected to the natural world and the quiet beauty it offered. From an early age, he found peace and purpose in the outdoors; he was in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts earlier in life. Whether hiking through forest trails, camping under starlit skies, or mountain biking across rugged terrain, Michael embraced nature with a quiet reverence. He especially cherished driving through the redwoods or along the coast to the ocean-journeys that brought him both joy and serenity. Though Michael traveled extensively across the country throughout his life, he always returned to nature as his grounding force. His love for the outdoors was not just a pastime but a way of life-a reflection of his thoughtful spirit and appreciation for life's simple wonders.

Michael's mother had a profound impact in shaping the person he became. He was known for his gentle demeanor and reserved nature (in addition to his appreciation for nature). Michael was loving and family-oriented, though he often kept to himself. Those who knew him recognized the depth of his character in his quiet presence and steady companionship. Michael's relationship with God grew stronger throughout his life. He lived by the "Golden Rule" of treating others the way he would wanted to be treated, and he was a truly loyal person.

Michael's memory will live in the hearts of his family whom he will be deeply missed by: sisters, Melissa (Frederick) Johannsen of Simi Valley, CA and Tea Peace of Lahaina, HI; nieces and nephews, Naomi Patton, Faith (Josh) Soule, Noah Patton, Arianna (Austin) Walker, Joy Davis, and Josiah Davis, Breanna Johannsen, Katarina (Justin) Anderson, Taylor Johannsen; uncle (and aunt), John (Margaret "Maggie") Coonan of the Town of Sevastopol, WI; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Coonan Olson; brother, Shawn Allen; and other relatives.

Michael will be laid to rest in the columbarium at St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol, WI with a private committal officiated by Fr. Matthew Rappl, of St. Joseph Parish in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Memorials may be given in his honor for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Sturgeon Bay, WI (MAIL TO: St. Joseph Parish, 526 Louisiana Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235).

Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay, WI and Daniels Chapels of the Roses Funeral Home & Crematory in Santa Rosa, CA have been entrusted with caring for Michael and his family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Michael may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE FAMILY

TEA: Dear Michael, I wish I had known you better. You got that being private from our mother, since I was married and had my daughter, Naomi, 4 months after you were born. I got to enjoy the two of you interacting!! So I had you over during summer to be a part of our family. You had lots of fun, but your commented on how loud our household was...You were used to quiet...I had 6 kids for you to play games with! You had such a adventure spirit to dirtbike, camp, and mountain bike. I know you wanted to warn others not to be part of research study done on unknown pharmaceuticals that did bring harm to you! May you enjoy the bliss of Heaven. I will miss our long phonecalls.

Hugssss!

Your loving sister,

Tea Leilanee

_____

MELISSA: Michael. My little brother...As I am reading this message with Fred and Bree, I am crying as I know that you are right here with us listening. I will never forget all the games we played when you were tiny, the hugs in the rocking chair, and the many hour-long telephone calls. As I dug into all of our family photo albums yesterday, I laughed, I cried as so many memories came flooding back. One thing for sure, Mom took way too many pictures of you...Hahaha...From every angle, she could...All of your major milestones...First smile, first step, first taste of cereal, first bike, first camping trip, first fishing trip, etc. So many wonderful things you learned from her...Loyalty, structure, love for the outdoors, your relationship with God, your attention to detail, and to always treat others the way you would want to be treated. Although I am really missing you, Michael, I have received peace from our Heavenly Father that you are with Him each day. I am confident that you are learning more about Him, (as we all look forward to, individually), getting all of your questions answered, you are seeing all of those that have made their trip to Heaven before you. I can see all of you, Grandpa John, Grandma June, Aunt Candy, Mom, and brother Shawn gathering as they welcomed you to an eternal space where there is no more sickness, no regret, no resentment or pain. I see you jumping for joy, Michael, as you continue your relationship with God and learn more about the purpose he has for you. I see you going to ride your bike on endless mountains, soaking up the warmth, hugging all of the pets that you had, and enjoying the mansion that He prepared for you. I know Michael that you have simply moved. Moved onto your new home, an eternal home of infinite love and new discovery each day. I will miss not hearing your voice over the phone for certain, but I am truly thankful you're experiencing the most pure love from your Creator.

Goodbye for now little brother, you will always be in my heart and thoughts.

Love,

big sis - Melissa

_____

NAOMI: Mike lived a life deeply connected to the natural world and the quiet beauty it offered. From an early age, he found peace and purpose in the outdoors. Whether hiking through forest trails, camping under starlit skies, or mountain biking across rugged terrain, he embraced nature with a quiet reverence. He especially cherished driving through the redwoods or along the coast to the ocean-journeys that brought him both joy and serenity.

Though he traveled extensively across the country throughout his life, Mike always returned to nature as his grounding force. His love for the outdoors was not just a pastime but a way of life-a reflection of his thoughtful spirit and appreciation for life's simple wonders.

He was known for his gentle demeanor and reserved nature. He was loving and family-oriented, though he often kept to himself. Those who knew him recognized the depth of his character in his quiet presence and steady companionship.

His memory will bring comfort to my heart and hopefully to all those who knew him. I will forever hold in my heart all the days we shared playing together and talking, going for hikes as he encouraged me to get over my fears with him beside me, sharing headphones to listen to our music and going on adventures together. I wish I'd have had more time with him in our later years!! I pray his spirit will forever rest among the landscapes he loved so dearly.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael John Olson, please visit our floral store.