Obituary

Remembering Alyssa   Olafson

Olafson, Alyssa Elizabeth Alyssa Elizabeth Olafson, passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning March 20, 2014 in Kalamazoo, MI at the age of 19 where she was a student at Western Michigan University.  Alyssa was born February 6, 1995 in St. Cloud, MN to Mark and Vicki Olafson.  She attended Pleasant View Elementary School in Sauk Rapids, MN and graduated from Allendale Public High School in Allendale, MI in 2013.  She was involved in many activities including being a member of the National Honor Society, co-captain of her varsity soccer team where she received All Conference Honors; she participated in club soccer programs in the West Michigan area including the Rangers, Crew, and Fire.  She also attended Career Tech Center Services for Advanced Healthcare.  She loved being a part of the youth group at Life Stream Church.  She was currently a freshman at Western Michigan University studying Pre-Health and Human Services and made the Dean’s List her first semester.   She was involved with The CRU group at Western Michigan University.  Alyssa was employed at Harbor House Ministries as a residential aide.  She was a phenomenal daughter, sister, and friend to many and will sorely be missed.   Alyssa is survived by her parents, Mark and Vicki of Allendale, MI; older brother, Cameron of Burnsville, MN; older sister, Kayla of Allendale, MI; grandmothers, Carole Olafson, Jane Klundt; many aunts, uncles, cousins; special friend, Brandon Oswald; and her special dog, Hannah.  She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Ralph Olafson, Delmar Klundt; cousins, Ronnie Lestemoe, Ashley Olafson, Katie Olafson.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday 11 am at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale with Pastor Jim Mannes, Pastor Chris Cowling, Pastor Jim Metcalf officiating.  Interment Allendale Township Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf (corner of Avery and Scott) 6651 Scott St., Allendale.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Harbor House Ministries in Alyssa’s memory.

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Vicki and family, We cannot begin to imagine the grief you must be enduring in losing Alyssa. Vicki, you have stood by my side during the worst years of my life and I would happily take your current pain onto myself if I could. We are here with open arms should you want or need a shoulder to lean on. Please know you and your family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers as you go through the next hours, days and weeks. Blessings to all! Vickie Fears

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We can even imagine what you are going through. Sandie Lenander

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Vicki and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you travel this journey of sadness. Alyssa was a beautiful young women and appears to have followed well in your footsteps. Hold on to the wonderful memories you made together and hopefully they will give you some peace. Katie Theiler

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark: This is so sad. I'm sorry this happened to you. Praying for you and your family right now. Brian Shaler

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Vicki .. so deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your daughter. My heart goes out to you and your entire family. Karen Anderson

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Olafson Family - Alyssa was a girl of many talents. She was full of spirit and was an enthusiastic, positive person that touched the lives of many. She will be dearly missed. Joel Paauwe

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dear Olafson's I was so saddened to hear about Alyssa's passing. And I cannot begin to imagine how all of you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you through this extremely hard time. I will forever be eternally grateful to have been able to call Alyssa my best friend and just to have known her. We lost touch in our friendship over the years but I will never forget her or the friendship we shared. She was always a genuine, bright, and beautiful person both inside and out. She definitely changed my life in many ways. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all of you. She will truly be forever missed but also forever remembered for the incredible woman she was. Allison Rewers

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark and family, I was heartbroken when I heard about Alyssa. I recall all the good memories and stories you shared about her when we worked together. She was a wonderful and beautiful person. I am sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers. Luke Farrell

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

My heart goes out to your family and community- I never met your daughter but my daughter is a Junior at WMU and became friends with Alyssa when you/she came to Freshman Orientation this past summer-Caitlyn was the student that lead the group Alyssa was in for the 2 day visit. Alyssa made quite an impact on Caitlyn in that short period of time and they saw each other on campus since then. She was devasted by the news of Alyssa's passing even having only met her 7 mos ago. As I read the comments in the news, on this site and on FB about how incredible a daughter you raised- I am praying for your family to feel God's arms wrapped tightly around you all. Cyndi Teegarden

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dear Olafson family: I was Alyssa's Chemistry Professor in her first semester at WMU; I want to express my sincere condolences on her death - she sat in the second row and to my right in the large lecture hall; her smile was infectious - it brought a smile to my face each time I walked in to teach; she was a distinct pleasure to have in class - interested, enthusiastic, concerned to learn rather than just get a grade; she joyfully and helpfully interacted with classmates who sat near her. I remember her visit at Office Hours where she told me about her heritage and her plans for the future. I will continue to pray for you as you grieve while holding tightly to God's provision for you to be re-united with her in His time. Lydia Hines

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark, Vicki, Cameron and Kayla: There are no words to convey the sadness I feel, and to let you know that you have been in my prayers these past days. Know that the lives Alyssa has touched in life and will continue to touch in her passing is a testimony of the amazing person she was. Paul Deeds, Jr

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dear Mark and Family God be with you during this time of grieving and give you strength throughout. Our prayers are with you. Greg Daggett

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Words cannot express the sorrow that I feel for you. No parent should ever have to lose a child. Our loving Creator knows how hard this is on you. We are told at Ezekiel 18:22 “‘for I do not take any delight in the death of someone dying, is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord .” As you can see, He does not like death anymore than we do. It is not his will for us to die which is why He has given us the hope of everlasting life! (Psalms 37:9-11, 29; Rev. 21:3, 4). As the God and Father of tender mercies, He wants you to find comfort in Him through prayer (2Cor 1:3). Dan Lawrence

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

So sorry to hear about your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Shari Leavens

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dear Vicki and Family, There simply are no words that I can offer that can fully express the deepness of the heartache that I feel for all of you. To have such a brilliantly promising young life ended far too soon is just such a tragedy and I know that the void her passing leaves in all of you is crushing. Please try your best to lean on your faith and on each other as you make your way through these dark and trying times. I’ll be praying for God to surround you all in His love, to hold you gently in the palm of His hand and to give you peace and strength to face this tremendous loss. God bless you all. Mark Parrish

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Vicki and family - We were all so saddened to hear of your daughter's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim Petersen

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

My heart goes out to you in your sorrow and grief and I pray that our GREAT GOD will comfort and sustain and keep you. Blessings! HATTIE VEENSTRA

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark & Vicki and family, We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden, tragic loss of your daughter. No words that we can say will ever express the sorrow we have in our hearts. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time and in the days to come. With deepest sympathy. Heidi Healy (Hessman)

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mr. and Mrs. Olafson I went to Tech Center with Alyssa when we were juniors. She was such an amazing person to get to know. She didn't have a mean bone in her body..and she was so funny! I just wanted to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I would like to express my deepest sympathies to you all as well. I will always remember Alyssa as the great person that she was. Juliana(jay) Cizek

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark, Vicki, Cameron, &Kayla you guy's are in my prayers! I love you guy's hang in there! Emily Johnson

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dear Olafsons… Though we don't know you personally, our sons, Mason and Marcus, knew Alyssa from our time living in Allendale (2000-2007). As parents ourselves, we can't even begin to imagine the depth of your grief, and are grateful to hear of the overwhelming community love and support being expressed to your family. I believe our son, Mason, will be in attendance next Tuesday, and we have asked him to personally express our condolences. Please know we will be praying for you all, as well as for all in the community who were so positively impacted by your daughter's life. I would imagine you are extremely proud of the young woman she was becoming, and I hope the stories of her positive impact on those around her will give you some measure of happiness, even in the midst of overwhelming grief. With deepest sympathies... Ken & Karen DePeal

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark, Vicki and family, My most sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers. We are so sad at the sudden passing of Alyssa. She was indeed a very special girl and we all have great memories of her bubbly personality and bright outlook on life. I feel blessed to have been her Girl Scout leader which gave me the chance to get to know her a little better. Heaven gained a bright and shining star! Elaine Ebeling

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

My deepest sympathy to the entire family of this beautiful young lady, you will be in our prayers, although I didn't personally know her my heart goes out to all of you. God be with you. Faith Parrish

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Olafson Family, Alyssa was an incredible friend, classmate, and teammate. She brightened so many peoples days with her beautiful smile. She will be missed and you are all in my prayers. Courtney Kring

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dear Mark, Vicki, Cam and Kayla, We can not even imagine your pain. You were entrusted with such a special gift for 19 years. A delight to behold. You are in our thoughts and prayers this evening and will remain there for as long as needed. We pray that you may find the peace that surpasses human understanding. Prays, tears and hugs to you all. Love: Karla Webb

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark & Vicki and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Alyssa was an amazing young woman who made the day brighter just by her smile. Absolutely wonderful, and loved everyone. She will be deeply missed. We will be holding you in our prayers. Tami Klinger

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark & Vicki and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember Alyssa for her bright smile and caring personality. She was truly an amazing young lady. You are in our prayers daily. May the peace of God that transcends all understanding be with you in your sorrow. With our deepest sympathy, Sandra Sal

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Olafson Family, I knew Alyssa from being in youth group together and going to school together. She was such a wonderful young lady. No matter what she had to face or what challenges came her way, she was always positive. She always had a smile on her face and had a laugh that was so contagious! She would always smile at me, and say hello to me in the halls and at youth group. When I was having a bad day, those things meant so much to me. Her personality would light up the room wherever she went. Her devotion to her friends and family, as well as her Lord and Savior was just phenomenal! Her heart was so big. She always put others before herself and always looked out for them. She never looked down on others. She always talked to the new people and/or those who maybe didn't have a friend. She was so funny and I loved hearing her read in our Youth Group. Her bubbly and fun personality made it hard for anyone to not love this young lady. Seeing her interact with the young children on Wend. nights at church was so amazing! She was such a blessing to them. What a blessing she was to my life as well. She has helped me out a lot and I'm very sure she has touched the lives of many others. I want you to know you all are in my deepest thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and in the difficult times to come. Words cannot express the sorrow we have, but we know that she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ having a grand ol' time! She is smiling down on us all with that cute little dimple smile that she had! My deepest sympathies to you all. Megan Sebastian

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Our hearts go out to you in this time of deep sorrow. You are on our minds, in our hearts, and in our prayers. We pray that the love of God will enfold you during the difficult days ahead, and we are also here to support you in any way we can. Hugs and tears Lin Bovenkam

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark, Vicki, Kayla, and Cameron; We have been so blessed to have known Alyssa. She was such an awesome example of generosity and a what a kind hearted person should be. You should be so proud... You raisef such a sweet daughter and sister and she was so lucky to have you all as her family! Continued prayers and peace to you all! Tom & Cindy Beukema

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

I don't know your family personally but know others who do, and I can't come close to understanding your grief. I pray that God will give you the answers and the peace your family needs. Shanna Christie

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Vicki and Mark I can not express the deep shock and sadness I felt when I saw Alyssa had died! I am so very sorry. From what I read of her she was a very special young woman. May you find comfort in your memories of her. Please know that many people here in MN and at Stearns County have you in our thoughts and prayers. Jodi Leraas

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

My deepest sympathies to you at the loss of your daughter. It is often more difficult when such a young person passes away. But I also know that now she may rise with Christ this Easter season. Peace and love to all. Donna Geislinger

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark, Vicki, Cameron and Kayla We are so sorry to hear of your sudden and tragic loss of Alyssa. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember that sweet little girl with that great smile and curley hair, running around the yard with the kids playing. With deepest sympathy. Connie Nelson

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark ,Vicki and Family, My deepest sympathy is extended to you all as you grieve the loss of Alyssa. I pray God's peace and comfort as you walk this journey in pain. She will be missed. Karen Kuiper

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark and Vicki, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. While I did not know your daughter my heart goes out to you. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. Just know that you are in everyone's thoughts and prayers in the days to come. Bob VanWagner

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

My sympathies to Mark and Family. John Wozniak

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark and Vicki, Our hearts are broken for you. There are no easy words to express the depth of our emotions towards you and your family at this time. God bless and keep you. George Schrader

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Vicki, Mark and family, My heart is broken from the news at the loss of your beautiful daughter, Alyssa! Life is sometimes so difficult to understand. This especially hits me hard as you were a good friend at Stearns County and Alyssa was close to the same age as our daughter, Rachel (24). Our daughter, Erin also babysat for your kids so that made your family even more special to us. I am at a loss for words of comfort knowing that you are engulfed with grief at this time. Ongoing thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days ahead. Your family was included in our petitions at church yesterday and a memorial candle was lit for Alyssa. May the comfort of family and friends surround you now. Deb Haug

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dear Vicki & Family, We just had to be sure to offer you our deepest sympathy.Although we never had the pleasure of meeting Alyssa, we know she was a special child and she was certainly blessed with a wonderful mom. You must have been very proud of her. May God somehow bless you and give you strength during this difficult time. You will be in our thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Donald Velthouse

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark, your NDE family is keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grief. We pray that by your faith you can hold on to the promises you have been given. Steve Scott

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

My heart was deeply saddened to hear of Alyssa's untimely departure. I can still see her beautiful, infectious smile as she sat across from me in her academic advising appointment just weeks ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray God continues to strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time. Melinda Lockett Academic Advisor @ WMU Melinda Lockett

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dearest Olafson Family, I'm sorry that I'm not there to hug you, but I'm sending many prayers to you. Jennifer Hodges

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Vicki,Mark and family- our prayer are with you. Mary and Ben Byker Mary Byker

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dear Mr and Mrs Olafson, I shared 2 classes with your daughter last semester and feel very blessed to have called her a friend. She is really the first friend I made at Western and I always looked forward to sharing laughs and stories with her. Your daughter is truly beautiful inside and out and in the short time I knew her made a lasting impact on my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you... Conor McCabe

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

My Dear Vicki and famly: There are no words that can begin to express me soul filled heart ache for your loss. Vicki - while I never had the wonderful opportunity to meet Alyssa, I can tell from all I have read that she was your wonderful daughter and you must have certainly shared your beautiful kindness and gentle concern for others with her. The world has truely lost a special person and gifted young woman. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts daily. Be kind to yourselves and accept the help that will be offered to you. I pray for God's strength to lead you thru this challenge. mary ellen gil

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark and family, My sincerest sympathies to you and your family. You raised a wonderful women that the world will sorely miss. Travis Pegg

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

My deepest condolenses. May the Lord be with you and provide His strength to you. Bruce Rarrick

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Mark, Vicki, and family, We were so sad to hear of the sudden loss of Alyssa. Our patients are like our family and we all feel deep sorrow for the loss of this beautiful life. Our daughter Alyson knew Alyssa through Kayla and the soccer program and our son Matt had some classes with her last year. Our hearts go out to the entire family during this very difficult time and we will keep you all in our prayers. May God give you comfort and keep you in his loving arms. Allendale Eye Care Staff Drs. Patricia Roslund and Richard Conflitti & The Conflitti Family Patricia Roslund

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cindy Carlon

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

I am profoundly sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. There are no words to ease your sorrow, but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers through this most difficult time. Barb Dotson

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

Dear Vicki & Mark and family, We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Alyssa. We all have great memories of her,,she was a kind hearted & beautiful girl. Please know your in are Prayers! Diane Weenum

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March 26, 2015 10:33am

MARK AND FAMILY- My deepest sympathy in the loss of your daughter. A young bright life cut way too short. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sandy Kennedy Sandra Kennedy

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