Hard to believe it’s been 4 years.  sure miss you neighbor.

To the Olson family,

I’m not sure how I came to see Mitch’s obit today as I have never met him nor any of you, but here I am…  A former USAF WAF (1974-78) who lost an adult child that loved 4th of July celebrations much like your Mitchell. That’s a lot of similarities to have “coincidentally” come to this young warrior’s guestbook on a 4th of July weekend. Please know, I and my bff of over 56 years will be praying for your peace tonight thru Monday. I believe your Mitch and my Lora Beth are sending us strength, reminding us that love never dies. Their souls live on; so must we with valor.  Be blessed.

Hooah. 

To the Olsen family and friends,

So sorry to hear about Mitchell.   My condolences to his family and friends.  Once everything goes back to normal I would love to honor Mitchell on the star of heroes in Cape Coral, FL.  The Iraq war Monument is the first in the country to honor all living, wounded and deceased veterans from all Iraq wars.  Please respond if you would like Mitchell honored. 

Michelle 
Camp Bucca, Iraq 2003-2004
Chairman Iraq War Monument 

I saw the beautiful tribute on Kare 11 tonight, and was stunned to realize this was about the wonderful Olson family. I am beyond sorry to hear of Mitchell's passing. I remember him as the beautiful baby of the family with his gorgeous flower girl sisters at Uncle Roy and Barb Seamans' wedding. Your family has had a special place in my heart for many years. Please accept my condolences. 

I just received a message from a family member who saw me in a picture with Mitch on the news, from when we were deployed. I had no idea it happened. May you rest easy, Mitch. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Until Valhalla, brother. 

While I never met this hero personally, it is so readily apparent the great impact he has left on those in this world. I am eternally grateful to him for how he spent his life. He has been greeted by his brothers-in-arms now, and rests in peace.  I will be thinking of him and this family often.   

With utmost respect and love,
-Evan Roddenberry
COL (KY) 

Dear Gene and Sylvia,  I wish I could give both of you a hug.   I’m so sorry to hear about your wonderful son, Mitch.  
Love, Penny Krochock 

Sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace, Mitchell! 

Mitch was our neighbor.  He was the first person to welcome us when we moved in.  He had a quirky sense of humor I enjoyed.   One did not have to know him well to know he loved his family,  country,  and his battle buddies.  

I am very sorry for your loss.  He will be missed very much.   

I am very much sorry to hear the loss of your loved one. Mitchell must be in good hands. May his soul rest in peace and God protects his family and loved ones.

Alain

Dear Olson Family,

I am so sorry. This is a terrible tragedy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mohamed 

I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your son. In a time of worldwide grief, there is no deeper sorrow than a parent losing their child.  Two thousand years ago, another father lost a son. There was deep pain and darkness, but there was also hope in something much greater. May God bless you with extraordinary peace, comfort, and hope in this time. 

I read about your son on a military veterans group.  I didn’t know him but I will tell you this....never stop believing that there are many Americans out here that silently thank you for your son.  For his sacrifice , for his service.  I am not a veteran but am a mother and grandmother.  My freedom in this country is because men like your son stood up as a MAN.  He protected countless souls he never met.  I pray God blesses you with some peace , some understanding -and some grace to carry on.  To honor him  and to stop hurting.   God bless you for raising a MAN.  God bless you for being good parents.  

I am so sorry for the loss of your Son; even though I never knew Mitch personally; he is still my brother!!
Prayers for him and his family!! May God grant this warrior eternal peace!! Until Valhalla!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Dear Gene and Sylvia.
Steve and I were so saddened to hear of Mitchell's death.  He came from excellent, good and loving parents so It must have been so hard for him to leave you.  We wish you love and kindness as you heal and hope that one day the cherished  memories of your boy will give you peace of mind.  It's hard to fathom that you have this reality to deal with.  Courage and strength be with you. 

God Bless You,
Lynn and Steve Kluz

Rest easy, soldier. Condolences to your loved ones. 

Prayers for the family. God bless the USA. Simper FI

Whenever I would explain Mitch to people, the only way I can explain him was that Mitch was Mitch. He was a one of a kind. I remember our adventures in the car and walking through random malls. He never seemed to run out of topics to talk about. I learned a lot from him. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I will keep your family in my prayers. 

Sorry about Mitchell.I didn't know him, but I wanted to let you know that I am thankful for young men like him who are willing to serve to keep us free. 

Dear Olson Family,
I don't know Mitchell, nor do I know you. I do know how difficult it is to loose a loved one. Mitchell sounds like the the kind of man that would be my friend. He served his country well, he was an outdoors man, and he liked dogs. 
One thing I have learned after loosing a loved one,  is that energy never dies, and a soul is energy.  That energy will be around you for the rest of your lives on this earth and you will become the energy that Mitchell has become one day.  He is will you now. Make him proud, make him smile.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,  
Bruce

I am so sorry! What a terrible tragedy to lose Mitch. I haven’t seen any of you Olsons for a long time, but I remember Mitch from all our skating times and I am very saddened by your loss.  My prayers and sympathy are with you.
Carol Cutshall

I never met your son but I served overseas in the military with many like him; each one special in their own wonderful and unique way, as I'm sure Mitchell was. I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss but I hope you can find some comfort in the fact that as long as his friends live and share their stories when they gather together, he will never be forgotten.

I want to express my deepest sympathies to Mitch’s family and friends.  Mitch’s pain has now been alleviated and the pain is left and felt by the survivors.  How the survivors deal with that pain will define them.
One of my favorite memories of Mitch is when he was in charge of lighting the fireworks for our family’s 4th of July celebrations.   Sometimes at firework displays it takes too long between the igniting of the next one and the crowds gets antsy.
Mitch took it upon himself to fix that problem by lighting them more quickly.   The crowd would cheer faster Mitch faster! And oooo and ah and yell faster Mitch faster, go Mitch go!   Mitch would find another higher gear and the crowd would yell go Mitch go, way to go Mitch!
When the grand finale was lit and Mitch mingled with the crowd, they could see gun powder on his hands and face and his hair was singed but his eyes were gleaming, and a great show was had by all.
Doug Buller


I did not know Mitchell other than the fact that he was a brother-in-arms.  Rest easy brother and we will carry on under you watch.  I pray that all of Mitchell’s loved one remember the good.

That Others May Live,
Doug 
Fmr. USAF PJ

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mitchell; however, just his willingness to serve a cause greater than himself speaks volumes about his character. While I doubt there is something I can say here that will lighten your sense of loss, I will offer this. Those who knew Mitchell would most likely say they were privileged to do so. He undoubtedly touched people's lives in ways we will never fully realize. He will continue to touch your life and the lives of those to whom he was close for the rest of your lives through fond memories. Those of us down in Texas will pray the Lord continues to strengthen and guide you all through this time of need.

To the Olson family, 

I highly respect Mitchell's  service to his country. By reading some of the notes here, it seems he was a remarkable man. 

May he rest in peace.

Pino Suliman, Captain (Res.) IDF.


Dearest Olson Family,

I did not have the pleasure of knowing either Mitch or your family. However, I have read each of the memories shared here and it is no doubt that Mitch was loved and an exceptional human being.

My sincerest condolences to you all for his passing and the uncertainty which pervades us these days and prohibits you from being able to celebrate his life with friends and family.

Best Regards,
Garret Harrell

Thank you for your service to this country. I am a classmate of Nick's and have heard of what a wonderful man you are. Rest in peace. 

To the Olson Family,

My family and I are friends of Nick and Casey and we are so  sorry to hear of Mitchell's passing. Casey and Nick are family to us and we extend that feeling to their families as well. 

Though we never had the opportunity to meet Mitchell, it is clear that he served his country with distinction and earned the respect and gratitude of his leaders and fellow Soldiers alike. Knowing Casey, we are not at all surprised that he excelled at every task he was given and was constantly sought out for his advice. His willingness to help others and to serve are obviously characteristics that are well endowed in your family and we wish we would have had the opportunity to meet him. 

Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

The Lapointe Family

I never had a chance to meet this fellow service member and warrior, though I wish I had.  I am grateful for his his selfless willingness to put himself in harm's way for the sake of his countrymen by enlisting in the Army and serving in Iraq.  When the nation needed protecting, he ran to the sound of the guns!  In my humble opinion, that is the most noble kind of man.  By all accounts, he was loved by his friends and family and admired by his fellow Soldiers.  "Well done. Be thou at peace."

(I will be praying for Mitchell and his family during this difficult time.)  

Adam D. Jannetti
COL (KY), United States Army 

Mitchell,

It takes courage and strength to commit yourself to the country - the life of service. When we meet, I’ll buy you a beer and  we’ll talk “shop” .. talk war and all the good, bad, and ugly. We share the bond of uniformed service. So many untold stories and moments yet lived, I’m thankful to know we’re part of the same band of men and women service members.   

Be though at peace, we’ll take it from here. 

Cheers,

MD

Mitchell,

Your memory will live on in your family and your nation alike; loved ones will cherish your kindness and spirit, and all of America, including myself, truly appreciate what you’ve done in the service of others.  As a fellow veteran, thank you for your commitment to service and what makes this country great.  Without patriots like you the fire would have died long ago.

John Gordon

Thank you Mitchell for your service, God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Mitchell,

Thank you for the many sacrifices you made in service to our great country. We never met this side of heaven, but I appreciate everything that you did to keep me and my family safe from harm. Thank you for saying yes when so many said no. Thank you for running towards danger when so many ran away. Thank you for being willing to risk it all for strangers like me. 

—-Lt Col Sparks

Mitchell,

Although we haven’t yet met I want to thank you for your service to our Nation. You answered the call and can stand among the few to have borne our flag. May your family find peace, solace and healing in this difficult time. Be thou at peace friend.

Sincerely, 
Alex Rubilar
Captain, US Army

Service to country is an incredible gift, one very few give, and to be treasured. Love for family, neighbors, and community is precious - a light even when things seem dark. 🌤  Thank you for supporting Mitchell so that he could support the rest of us - his spirit lives on in our hearts, and his smile in our eyes, a bright reminder of happy times. 🌟 My prayers are with you - the rest of us in uniform will continue to serve with his memory in our hearts.

Mitchell,

I never knew you, but because of our common service we share a bond that few others can understand. Rest easy, we have the watch now. 

Sincerely yours,

Joseph Buonaccorso
Lieutenant, US Navy

My memories of Mitch are also through the Buller gatherings. I am Sylvia’s cousin and I would agree that Mitch Was a very cute kid with twinkly eyes. My most clear memory of Mitch was at cousin Doug‘s fourth of July celebration. Mitch was there in his fatigues and I was going to shake his hand. He said to me“We’re  family ,we don’t shake hands, we hug”-and we did.  Wow -handsome and feeling too.   I am so sorry for your loss and will hold you in thought and prayer.
 



Kristina, I’m so sorry to hear the news of your loss. I text your old number but you must have a new one now. I’m praying for you and your family while the shock of this realization settles in. May you feel the presence of your brother surrounding you, especially when outside in nature which is sounds like your brother loved. Sending love and peace your way and know I’m praying. 

While I never met Mitchell, I am a colleague and friend of Casey's and just want to convey my condolences to Casey and the Olson Family.  I send my prayers for strength and peace to the Olson family as you navigate this difficult time.   

 To my friends and former associates Sylvia and Casey Olson and the entire Olson family, I am so sad to learn of this heartbreaking loss of your son and brother. The pain of this loss I know is beyond description. The expression "there are no words" rings hollow and so inadequate. I hope your faith will bring peace and comfort, not now but in time and the tears of today will give way to the smiles of so many memories. Bless you all!

Mitch - sad to see you go. I suppose the only silver lining is that there's a special place in heaven for M2 gunners. Thanks for your service, sacrifice, and courage. 

I'll see you up there soon enough. Make sure to have the fishing poles ready.

- COL Fisher

One of the things I looked forward to the most with our Buller family gatherings was the chance to be with all of the cousins. It was always the dream of us younger cousins to be like our older, and so much cooler cousins. Naturally, our highest form of flattery probably involved hanging all over them and never giving them a moment to themselves. With Mitch, I remember that one of our favorite "methods" was to sit him down (often with some of us sitting on top of him so that he couldn't escape) and then proceed to "interview" him for long periods of time. With him versus many, many younger cousins, it probably felt more like interrogation some of the time. Mitch was so gracious though and played along. He humored us by answering all of our questions that truly were all over the place. 
I will miss having him around. I am so grateful for an older cousin who took the time to build so many treasured memories with everyone, even his younger cousins. Our hearts break with all of you- lots of hugs and prayers. 

Most of my memories with Mitch have to do with our crazy Buller gatherings. Chances are Mitch regretted coming to them because he inevitably ended up being the human jungle gym for all of his younger cousins. I appreciate how he always took it with such patience and didn't shove us kids off. Younger cousins always want to be as cool as their older ones! 

Another great memory I have is being out on the dance floor with him at Kristina's wedding. He was going hard and I think, once again, all of us younger cousins were trying to keep up! 

I will definitely miss having him at all of the Buller gatherings to come. I'm so, so sorry for your loss.  

I didn’t know Mitchell, but I knew of him through Nick and Casey. Coincidentally, we were in Iraq at the same time although in different Army units. I hope friends and family of Mitchell find some comfort during your mourning, and take solace in the fact that you provided him love and support during the ups and downs of his life. He served his country in our time of need. That reflects the type of man he was, the love he had for his family and community,  and upbringing he had growing up. Praying for you all during this difficult time.  

To the Olson Family, 

I am a friend and former colleague of Casey's and was deeply saddened to hear of Mitch's death.  

I recall meeting Mitch in Washington, DC while he was visiting Casey.  I remember his bright smile and his quick wit and the playful banter between him and Casey.

I am sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,

Ashleah Bechtel


To the Olson Family,

I am a friend and former colleague of Casey and am so very sorry for your loss. I think the world of Casey- to have her and your family lose a brother, son and husband is simply tragic. 

Please know my prayers will be with the Olson family.

Respectfully,

Joan Hunter
RADM, USPHS
Washington, D.C.


To the Olson family,

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mitch, but we all share in the loss of a dedicated soldier. May we raise a glass in celebration of our fellow gunner, warrior and friend.  

Andy McIndoe
MAJ, US Army

To the Olson Family,

I am sorry for your loss and know that you are in my prayers during this difficult time.  While I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mitchell, as a fellow Soldier I want to extend my gratitude for Mitchell's selfless service to our nation.  

With sympathy,
Scott Clark
Major, US Army
Kentucky Colonel

A toast to a patriot who faithfully defended his nation abroad as a vehicle gunner (considered one of the most dangerous positions to hold); and who served his community at home.  I offer my condolences to his family and the many friends whom Mitchell leaves behind.  May they celebrate Mitchell's memory forever. 

Respectfully, 
Col. Samir Patel 
Order of Kentucky Colonels and OIF Veteran   

We had many special memories of Christmas Eve with your family. One memory I have of Mitch was when I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. He said a fireman. Mitch knew even then that he wanted to help others. We enjoyed watching Mitch grow up into a fine young man.  Our heart breaks for you.  He was a precious son and brother who will be dearly missed.

 Our love to you,

        Andrea and Steve Gabbert

We are grieving together with Meg and all of Mitch's family. I met Mitch when I joined the family, marrying his older cousin Chad in 2005. Going down to the Hendrick's farms over 4th of July was a fun Buller tradition. I recall one year we were spending some time at the Buller cabin and instead of driving back to the farm with Chad and our several kids, I got to ride back with Mitch on his motorcycle. It was probably 7 whole minutes of kid-free bliss, riding on the back of that bike!! Haha. Thanks, Mitch. I know you will be so very missed by your family. I also know that now you are at peace. 

I have fond memories of "helping" Sylvia while Mitch was about a year old.  I remember playing with him for hours as he worked his way around the coffee tables at Grandma Vera's in Hendricks, MN.  He was one of the cutest toddlers ever.  I will always be grateful to him and his service to our country.   He was a great hero in protecting our freedoms that we have today.  Blessings to Mitch and his great family.  The Hexums are praying for Gene, Sylvia, Casey, Kristina, Meg, and his son Hunter for God's comfort and restoration during these difficult times.


You are my Angel , my precious nephew. 
I loved you from the minute you were born.
Your mom & dad we’re so happy to see you , 
There perfect boy. 
May God hold you in the palm of his hand. 
Always when we talked you said I love you 💕 Patsy I said I love you Mitchell. May you Rest In Peace sweet one . I will always missed  you . Precisely baby boy


Mitch always had a special place in my heart. He was the sweetest little boy with the most beautiful doe eyes that just melted me. He further endeared himself to me on my wedding day when he donned his little tuxedo as the cutest ring bearer ever and followed me around wanting to hold my hand!
 I remember many times heading out to good ol' White Castle over the years, my how the "Buller" boys enjoyed that place! I also remember Mitch playing football over the holiday with all of his cousins and uncles and running straight into a tree giving himself a black eye and scratched up face. He was the first one to start laughing and we quickly joined in. 
I have so many fond memories of my sweet nephew but the ones that I will hold most dear are the ones in which he was always one of the first ones to greet me with a HUGE hug and always shared an "I love you too,  Aunt Lori" without any reservation. I always felt as though I could ask Mitch anything, no topic was off limits. I appreciate and am grateful that he shared from his heart, the wonderful times as well as the struggles. Thank you, Mitch for being genuine and sincere. I love you, will miss your great smile and laugh but I rejoice in knowing that we will one day be together again. Until we are reunited in heaven, I will hold your hug in my heart. Forever, Aunt Lori  

Being much younger and living a fair distance away from my cousin, I did not have the privilege of making many memories with him. I actually have two memories with Mitch. One was of him telling me that himself, Kristina, and Casey were my cousins. My 8 year-old mind was blown by this fact. The second memory i have was at a Buller Thanksgiving or Christmas at Aunt Sylvia's house. Ezzy Buller and I were laying on the bed chatting when Mitch ran in, jumped on top of the bed, sprawled out, and rolled the entire length of the bed yelling, "STEAMROLLER!!" Ezzy and I laughed uncontrollably and continued to call out "steamroller!" whenever we saw him for years to come. We thought it was the funniest thing that had ever been done! It may not be much, but I've remembered and cherished these moments for over a decade because I am very grateful to have had Mitch as a cousin. 

Meg,
 Mitch was a joy to know. Thank you for providing for Mitch the companionship that we could not. We know it was hard, Mitch often preferred the long rough road verses the interstate. Thank you for your son Hunter and your two daughters Danica and Taylor.
We hope you can slow down and enjoy some good memories now. The concerns about the future can wait now. God will work them out. He has resources for you. He is eager to comfort you. Mitch is experiencing the love, joy, and peace of Christ that is difficult to feel on earth. "Heaven wants Mitch, earth has lost its grip on him".
Dwight and Peggy Buller family


Sending love to you all and covering you in prayer ❤️ Our hearts ache for you!  
Asking our Lord to wrap you in His arms and bring you comfort and peace beyond all understanding. 

In sympathy, 
Troy and Stephanie 

My sincerest condolences to the Olson Family.  I didn’t know Mitchell personally however I am a friend of Casey’s.  She & I were in class together in Kansas City last summer and have continued to be friends and stay in touch.  Even though I never personally met him I feel like I knew him and your family as Casey and I shared about our families and developed a friendship that I am truly blessed to have.   Mitchell was a man that served his country and looks like he had much love for his family.   The picture of him in uniform with his dog is such a beautiful picture of him and who he was, strong, courageous & loving.  My heart is breaking for your family right now as you are going through these devastating days.  I pray that you find peace in your hearts through trusting in God to hold you in his arms.  Love & hugs to you all.  

Sending deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the family.  Mitch is my nephew – middle name, Lee, a tribute to my dad, LeRoy.  My heart is breaking for all of you.  I cannot imagine the pain you are all experiencing.  A light hearted memory - when Mitch was very little, I baby sat for him and he fell off the bed…I have carried that guilt for years. 😊  I know how much his family loved him and tried to help him and I know he loved you too. I pray your pain will eventually ease and be replaced with the good memories. “The Lord is Close to the Broken Hearted.”  Psalm 35:18     Blessed be his memory!  Aunt Sue

Oh, I remember the happy Mitch!  As a youngster, he had the biggest smile at family gatherings.  
He was the ring bearer at my wedding -- actually bringing the rings to the altar on the pillow.  It was a such a special time.
When he was a bit older, I remember going with him  on the farm to an abandoned barn.  He had a bb gun with him.  We climbed into the empty haymow where pigeons now made their home.  A pigeon went flying, and Mitch took his first shot ever at a moving target.  He hit it, and we took a picture of him with his trophy.  He was so excited to tell his dad.  
Blessed be his memory.
Uncle Dave

Lots of memories of Mitch, being family, ;) One of my favorites was when Mitch was pretty young but had that "hunting  gene" in his blood, it was a cold, cold day over the Christmas holiday and I agreed to go out hunting in our trees for squirrels or whatever. We saw nothing!  and then there was a big squirrel nest, I told Mitch just shoot up in there, maybe one will fall out!  lol Our lab, at the time, took off to retrieve ( never had him hunting)  surprised both Mitch and I.  But of course, there  was nothing in the nest.  We both had a good laugh. We love you Mitch and we will miss you!!  Linda B.

You are my person.  I will always love you, in this life and the next.

I am truly devastated about Mitch’s passing.  He was a truly wonderful young man that quickly seemed like one of our family.  I will always fondly remember our hunting trips and talking up a huge array of subjects in duck and goose blinds.    I will miss him and his greeting of  “Hi Pops”.  

My prayers go to his family as they grieve his loss.  I hope in the days and months to come you recall many fond memories of Mitch. 

OBITUARY

Mitchell Lee Olson

October 18, 1985 – March 30, 2020

Gearhart Anoka Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services