Phillip "Phil" James Olson

Phillip "Phil" James Olson, age 31, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. Phillip was born on December 30, 1993, in Austin to Alfred “Al” and Maxine “Mickey” (Hansen) Olson. He lived in Austin for most of his life, apart from a few years in Browning, Montana. While growing up in Austin, he attended Neveln Elementary School, Ellis Middle School, and Austin High School. Phil worked various jobs throughout his life, including positions at Walmart and Auscon, where he was currently employed. He was extremely loyal and protective of his family and friends. Anytime someone needed help, Phil would be there. If someone wronged one of them, he took it personally, as though the wrong had been done to him as well. Since childhood, Phil had a passion for collecting knives. At family gatherings, if something needed to be opened, everyone knew to ask Phil for a knife. He had a good sense of humor and loved to scare his sisters for fun by jumping out at them unexpectedly. At times, he could be secretive, and when asked what he was up to, he would simply say, "Top secret." Phil enjoyed many hobbies, including manga, movies, video games, podcasts, and anime—especially One Piece, which inspired several of his tattoos. He also had a deep love for metal music. Some of his favorite bands included Lamb of God, Static-X, Slayer (which also became one of his nicknames), Pantera, Burzum, and many other hardcore and black metal bands.

In one final heroic act on his birthday, Phil saved the lives of four people through organ donation and will undoubtedly touch up to 60 more lives through tissue donation.

Phil is survived by his father, Al (Lynette) Olson; siblings, Laurie Gaudiello, Shawn Olson, Jessica (Dee) Salois, and Shannon (Justin) McFarland; sister-in-law, Bobbi Jo Olson; his best friend forever, Joseph Weymouth; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maxine; his brother, Aaron; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

No formal services are planned. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.