Carol J. Olson

Carol Jean (Kern) Olson, age 61, tragically passed away on Sunday, June 7. She was in Kentucky on a group motorcycle ride. She was surrounded by friends, spending the day doing what she loved the most – traveling and riding her trike.

Carol was born to parents Lloyd and Doris (Schuler) Kern in West Concord, MN. She graduated with honors from Medford High School. Carol attended the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, and then subsequently transferred to Minnesota State University, Mankato where she graduated in 1990. In 1994, she wed David Olson. While married to him, they welcomed their son Nicolas in 2000. Although, they divorced years later, Carol and David remained good friends. Carol had a successful career working at Universal Co-op in Eagan for over 20 years. During this time, she welcomed her wonderful son, Nicolas. In 2011, she left UC and joined Bosch in Owatonna. In 2016, she met the love of her life, Mal Galusha. They became engaged and the two were planning their marriage.

Carol was always searching for and planning the next adventure. These adventures ranged from traveling the world with Mal, riding in the hills of Wisconsin, or simply walking her dog Sammy all around town. She was an active member of the local HOG riders club where she made many friends, and had many adventures on her trike with them over the years. Carol was also an amazing mother. She was always going out of her way to check up on her son, giving him endless love and support. They had many long road trips together, some of which consisted of driving from Minnesota to Nevada when he decided to attend college in Reno. Carol was always the light in the room. It did not matter who you were, she would stop and talk. She had an infectious laugh, with the always-present smile on her face, and twinkle in her eye.

Carol is survived by her son Nicolas Olson, fiancé Mal Galusha, Sammy, her dog, former husband David Olson, siblings Jerry (Linda) Kern, Marilyn (Trish Moudry) Kern, Darold (Bonnie) Kern, Allen (Bonita) Kern, Alcid DeMars, brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault with Pastor Mark Kenney from River Valley Church officiating.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and on Monday for one hour prior to services.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory.