Todd K. Olson, age 60, of Cook, MN passed away on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025. Todd's life was a demonstration of spirit, strength, and steadfast love. As a faithful servant of God, his tender heart touched many lives. Above all, Todd was a warrior of love, fiercely devoted to his wife and children, pouring himself out daily as a husband, father, mentor, and friend.

Todd was a member of First Baptist Church in Cook, MN, a 1983 graduate of Cook High School and received his bachelor's degree from Northwestern College. He was employed as a business education teacher at Duluth Business University, Vermilion Community College, and ISD 2142 (Cook, Orr, T-S, & North Woods). While Todd loved teaching high school and coaching, his true passion was teaching the martial arts. For over 35 years, Todd's classes have inspired thousands of students. Todd achieved the level of 5th degree black belt (Hanshi/Godan) with Northern Dragon Martial Arts and was well respected amongst other schools all across the Midwest. Todd also raised Arabian horses. He had a way of making his horses reflect who he was...gentle and kind, yet willing to run through brick walls for him. We'll never forget the sound of hooves running to the barn as soon as he yelled, "Come on girls!" The horses couldn't wait to see him.

Music filled Todd's life. He loved to close his eyes and listen to his mother play piano. He also loved being on stage playing music with his many bands and musician friends. He enjoyed writing, recording, and just sitting on the couch playing guitar.

For nearly 15 years, Todd worked through many health trials that demonstrated his faith and trust in God's plan and His timing. Most notably, Todd received two organ transplants which gave him 10 additional years with his family. One of these "Gifts of Life" was given to him from his nephew, Nathaniel (Than) Tibbetts. He was forever grateful for these bonus years.

Todd was a lover and a fighter. His passion for God, family, and friends radiated from him. He fought fearlessly through health struggles to ensure he saw all of his kids graduate from high school. That was a testament to how strong he was. His love was contagious and his hugs were healing. His constant support for the kids was visible to everyone. His wisdom, grace, and love will continue to carry on in his name.

Todd is survived by his wife, Kandi, and his children Tate, Nicole, and Victoria, along with his mother, Doreen Olson, sister Brenda (Bill) Tibbetts, brothers Kyle (Michelle) Olson, Greg (Sharon) Olson, foster brother Lee (Karissa) Riutzel, his treasured nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. He is also dearly missed by his best buddy, his dog, Memphis.

He was preceded in death by his father Arlee, father-in-law Roger Makela, brother-in-law Kirk Makela, and grandparents Ailee & Ray Junttonen, Ernest Nukala, and Victor & Marie Olson.

An evening visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19th, 2025, from 6-8 pm at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, MN. A visitation will also be held on Friday, June 20th, 2025, at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am.