Lucas R. Olsen

Lucas R. Olsen, 39, of Sparta, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 at his home. He was born April 12, 1984 to Robert Olsen and Andrea Axelsen, in La Crosse. He grew up in Sparta and enthusiastically played basketball while in middle school.  Lucas graduated from Sparta High School.

Lucas fished as often as he could, often walking along the shoreline of Beaver Creek in hopes of his next catch. When the game was on, Lucas could be heard from a mile away yelling and cheering at the television while watching the Packers play. In his free time, he would try his luck scratching off lottery tickets while enjoying a black and mild. Although unable to be regularly present, Lucas loved his sons to his core and cherished together-time with his family.

The shackles, struggles, and pain of addiction have finally been broken; he is now free, no longer drowning in a place where there was no water. Overdose does not discriminate and talking about it could save a life that is why we have chosen to share as we hope Lucas' life will not be in vain. Too many families have suffered loss to substance misuse and overdose. Every loss is a painful reminder that overdose is a rapidly growing crisis silently stretching across the globe, hidden beneath the cover of stigma and fear. No more stigma; no more shame.

For his family, there will always be a profound sense of loss for what could have been. Lucas is survived by his father, Robert “Bob” Olsen; mother, Andrea Axelsen (Gary Fernholz); sons, Elijah and Jace; sister, Hannah (Eddy) Olsen and their children Hayden and Hazel; brother, Jacob Olsen; maternal grandmother, Emily Axelsen; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Egon and Hilda Olsen; maternal grandfather, Richard Axelsen; and aunt, Amy Stauffer.

Friends and family are invited for a visitation from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, in Sparta.

A private burial will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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