Kailee Jean Olson

With broken hearts, we share the passing of Kailee Olson, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She passed away on April 29, 2026 in Duluth , MN surrounded by her family. Kailee was taken from us far too soon after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Kailee was born on December 20, 1990, in Cambridge, Minnesota, the cherished daughter of Mike and Dayla McDonald, and sister to Rhett and Kyle. From an early age, it was clear that Kailee possessed a rare spark. Her smile, energy and her usage of sarcasm as an art form, always brought a smile to the people around her. Her kindness, loyalty, and love for the people she knew, was one of her strongest attributes.

Growing up, Kailee found both joy and purpose in athletics. She excelled in basketball and swimming at Cambridge-Isanti High School, bringing passion and determination to everything she did. Her dedication led her to achieve two school records in swimming, while her basketball career extended through college at the University of Wisconsin–Superior, where the team finished her senior season with the best record in school history. Her love for the game didn’t stop there; Kailee gave back through coaching. Inspiring and mentoring young athletes with the same energy and encouragement that defined her. Kailee started her coaching career in Duluth coaching the Northern LIghts and began coaching the Duluth East Greyhounds for nearly a decade.

Kailee’s ambition and compassion guided her professionally as well. She became the owner of Assisted Living Locators in the Duluth area, where she dedicated herself to helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult decisions. Her ability to connect with people, combined with her genuine care for others, made a lasting impact on countless lives.

On September 3, 2021, Kailee married the love of her life, Troy. Together, they built a life grounded in love, partnership, and family. Their bond was strong, and their home was filled with laughter, support, and unwavering devotion to one another. They shared a deep and genuine love that was evident to anyone who spent time around them. As a couple, they were the yin to each other’s yang; balancing one another in a way that felt natural and complete. They fit together in a way that didn’t need to be explained; it was simply understood. Together, they brought out the best in one another, and their bond was a true reflection of love, friendship, and unity.

Kailee’s true joy in life was being the mother to her two beautiful daughters, Lowry(3) and Murray (1). She loved her daughters more than anything else in this world. They were always her main priority and she treasured every moment that she spent with them. Kailee had so much joy in every milestone the girls accomplished and she was right by their side helping them with whatever challenge they faced.

After Kailee’s diagnosis, her biggest worry was Lowry and Murray. She went through this battle with one thought; she wanted to be with her girls for as long as she could. Lowry and Murray both love their mama very much and had a deep connection with her. Lowry and Murray will miss her deeply, but they will be reminded every day by their father that Kailee loved them very much.

Kailee was a devoted sister, a loyal friend, and a cherished daughter. Her energy was electric, her presence was vibrant and full of life, yet she was feisty and competitive in everything she did. Kailee stood up for what she believed, and would always let you know her opinion. She was her family’s biggest supporter and their greatest champion. She shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews, loved them deeply, and formed a meaningful and lasting connection with her sisters and brother in-law.

Cancer is an absolute thief—one Kailee never deserved to battle. Yet even in the face of it, she showed remarkable strength, bravery, selflessness, courage, and grace.

Kailee is survived by her loving husband Troy; and their daughters Lowry and Murray; her parents Mike and Dayla McDonald, Cambridge, MN; her brothers Rhett (Kayelyn )McDonald; Kyle(Arianna) McDonald; her in-laws Jim and Denise Olson Duluth, MN; her siblings-in-laws, Trevor(Shelby) Olson and Jada Olson; her nieces and nephews Ganon, Dekker, McKinli, and Russell; along with extended family, dear friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Robert and Darlene McDonald of Chisholm, MN, and her maternal grandparents, Gerald and Marla Gerber of Gettysburg, SD.

A visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Dougherty Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown. Private internment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Memorials will be used for Lowry’s and Murray’s future education.

We ask that you keep Troy, Lowry, and Murray in your thoughts and prayers, along with all who are grieving this tremendous loss.

***** A live-stream will be made available on the Dougherty Funeral Home Facebook Page; www.facebook.com/dfhduluth ******