In Remembrance

Duluth lost a kind soul to cancer and radiation complications on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Essentia St. Mary’s Hospital, Duluth.

Todd was born June 15, 1979 at Spooner, WI. His formal education began at Ondossagon School.  When the Ondossagon School District closed, Todd transferred to Drummond School District where he graduated high school.  He continued his education at UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI; receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation in May 2003.  His concentration in Independent Living – was a skill set he would come to rely on as his years passed.

Todd found health adversity early, when diagnosed with brain cancer at age 10. The cancer proved life altering as it took away most of his vision, before being stopped by radiation treatments. A Japanese foreign exchange student sent Todd 1000 paper cranes, as a get-well gift — becoming Todd’s inspiration to learn origami. This origami learning process (mostly by feel) became a healing experience for Todd. Origami carried him through many more medical treatments throughout his life.

In Todd’s own words: “How do you feel about life as a whole? Do you cherish each and every moment in life? Most people don’t ever think that they could lose it all. Events in my life took my eyesight but opened my eyes and makes me cherish each moment of my life”.

Todd viewed his life’s origami journey in this way:

More than a piece of paper,

The Origami Crane is the coming together

Of small folds to create a beautiful end result

A simple act that yields great impact

The same can be said for the act of giving

The end result is powerful

A symbol of hope

A celebration of life

A wish for grace and peace

A chance for dreams to take flight

Hopes to rise

Communities to soar more than ever

Todd posessed the rare talent of bringing out the better side of all he met. Todd’s origami folding, his secret weapon, was the ice breaker which elicited a quick smile. His friends knew this well. Todd pushed beyond friends, focusing on disadvantaged folks, who could gain a much needed boost to a place where hope and a chance for dreams could begin. Duluth, Todd’s adopted home, needs more Todds. Connecting with Todd was a pause to reflect that we can do better; we can be better — it was Todd’s hidden power.

A more personal insight into Todd’s story can be found in Blindfold, a short 2020 documentary about Todd, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vssB54GaUKA

Todd’s special awards include:

American Cancer Society Scholarship

Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence

The 2003 Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Award

The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund CREATE Program

Todd’s workplaces include: Camp Courage North; Wisconsin Lion’s Camp for the Blind; Advanced Practicum at The Center for Independent Living for Western Wisconsin; Special Education Aide – Drummond School District.

Todd provided volunteer work at: Harbor City School; Lester School; Superior School District; Arrowhead Juvenile Center; UDAC Art Junction; Children’s Oncology Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.

Todd was preceded in death by his grandparents, Esther and Leonard Olson, Frederick Dobbs and a special Aunt Cathy Walz.

Todd is survived by his parents Chuck and Cindy Olson, sister Jessica (Matt) Hirsch, niece Kianna Hirsch, and nephew Skyler Hirsch. Todd has many special family members; Uncles, Aunts, Cousins. He has many Duluth friends that loved him, especially his friend Terri Spencer and his cat, Jack.

A private family Celebration of Life, will be held at a later date.