James Olsen
December 22, 1975 ~ September 26, 2016
James 'J' A. Olsen age 40 of Alta Vista died Monday, September 26, 2016, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in rural Chickasaw County, IA.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 1, 2016, at the Congregational United Church of Christ, New Hampton, with Rev. Paul Pickar presiding. Military Honors will be conducted by the Alta Vista American Legion Post. Private burial will take place at a later date.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2016, at the Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
James “J” Arnold Olsen was born December 22, 1975, in Rochester, MN, the son of Richard and Carolyn (Mundfrom) Olsen. He received his education in Chatfield, MN, graduating from high school there in 1995. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1997 and was stationed in South Korea for a year and was later discharged from Ft. Lewis in Washington State. He then joined the Army Reserves and served from 2005–2006 in Kuwait. He then worked construction and was an over-the-road truck driver. In 2014, he moved to Alta Vista, IA, and began working for the Tri-Mark Corporation in New Hampton and more recently in April of this year began driving for Croell Redi-Mix. On June 13, 2015, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in New Hampton, he married Angela Pepin and the family became one. “J” was always busy, when he wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and collecting Star Wars memorabilia. He will be dearly missed by his wife, children, family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Angela; his children, Kaley Loger of Decorah, Colten Hanson and McKenzie Hanson of Alta Vista; his parents, Richard and Carolyn Olsen of Chatfield, MN; one sister, Christina (Richard) Orchard of Rochester; three brothers, Paul Olsen of Chatfield, Mark (Kristin) Olsen of Spring Grove, MN, Ron (Rachel) Olsen of Blooming Prairie, MN; his father and mother-in-law, Ron Pepin of North Branch, MN, Lynette McCabe of Charles City. He was also loved by many in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
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Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services created a video in memory of James Arnold Olsen
J. You were as close as a brother. I’m sorry we hadn’t connected for a long time. Our adventures together were amazing. Going to Wisconsin to see the Blue Angels. Our bugout camping trips. Watching the rerelease of Star Wars three times in a row at the old galleria theaters. Cruising Broadway Friday nights after work. Our ghost hunts. We had so much fun and so many memories together. You are one of the best friends I have. Until I see you again, I love you buddy.
Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of James Arnold Olsen.
Angela, Kaley, Colten, McKenzie and all of the family of James Olsen and the Congregational United Church of Christ family, our hearts break at your loss. Colten, we have been praying for you daily since you and Foster began commuting together to school. I know that Foster considers you as a brother in Christ. You are a special young man! You are all in our prayers daily as you mourn the loss of a father, friend, brother, and son and much more. May the grace and mercy of God be with you to strengthen you and uphold you.
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of James Arnold Olsen.
We are extending our thoughts and prayers to McKenzie and Colten through this difficult time. We have not met your mother nor J, but sounds as he was a wonderful person and sometimes only the best are taken. With all our sympathy. Leroy & Mary Lee
My Scott and all of his friends through school were at the farm often. The boys called me Mom. J was always a polite kind boy. Olsen family ; you have my sincere sympathy! I can’t imagine the hurt you have at this time. I know J was saved and has a heavenly home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May you find comfort in this. Love to you, Sue Kester
Jerry, Kristine and Krissy Keckhafer purchased the Pretty Please for the family of James Arnold Olsen.
New Hampton High School Band purchased the Pretty Please for the family of James Arnold Olsen.
So very sorry!! May he rest in peace!
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of James Arnold Olsen.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of James Arnold Olsen.
Angie and Family, I am so sorry I didn’t get to meet your J. I feel I know him from all the posts. Sending my Love and Prayers Carol & Gary Norman (Mom & Dad)
J was a great guy. I meet him this winter at our Fire Fighter 1 class and had several nice visit with him during the last few months. He will be missed. Martin Ahrndt
Angie we are with you in prayer holding your family up. May you rest in the comforters arms letting him carry you through this time of great sorrow. With all our sympathy.
Angie and family, Nathan knew how happy you were and that makes this sad time so difficult. May you feel the love and support of family and friends during this tough season of your lives.
MaryAnn Diesburg lit a candle in memory of James Arnold Olsen
My heart is saddened by your loss! He was a great guy, husband, father and friend. He will be greatly missed. God be with you through this tough time!!! Love to all of you! MaryAnn & Jim Diesburg
He was so much more than that
J was an amazing guy. My children and I had the honor or knowing him. He taught my kids how to fish and also taught me alot about my horses. He was a great friend to take walks with and just chat. He will be greatly missed and I regret that my husband and J never saw past there differences and became friends again. I’m praying for you all and until you get to meet him again In heaven.
Angie and family, My heart breaks for you! I can’t imagine what you guys are going through. I wish I could make the pain go away! We will keep praying for you. I’ll miss seeing his vehicle leave in the morning when I’m getting ready for work. He was always so friendly. He touched many lives! The memories will mean a lot! Rick and Cindy Holthaus and family
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. He was a great guy and Soldier. True loss to us all. ‘SSG Rhino’ Christine
Thoughts and Prayers for comfort and strength to Angie and the family of James. I am so sorry for your loss.
Angie and family,just can’t believe he is gone.We will miss his working around the yard and was a good neighbor. If you guys need anything in the future,be sure to keep in touch with us to help. Will keep you in our prayers. Fran and Jerome
Angie nd family so sorry to hear about J. He was a great person. Emily remembers him picking on her at the gas station. He had fun doing it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Angie and family……your in our thoughts and prayers. He was a great guy for the little bit I got to know . When he left TriMark they lost a good worker. And when he worked at our local gas station and was a fire fighter for our town.
I am so very sorry to hear about this…J was such a nice guy..gone way too soon! My prayers to all his loved ones!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Dean and Judy Speicher
Angie and family, so very sorry to hear of J’s accident. I know nothing can take away the pain you are feeling but know you have friends and family who love and care for you. Let your faith guide you through these difficult days. Lovery and prayers. Linda Flick
Angie and family, you are in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time. Dena and Zac Palmer