North Mankato, MN - Annika Joy Olivo (Obermeyer) was called home to rest on Thursday, April 17, 2025 following a courageous three-year battle with breast cancer.

On August 10, 1987, the world became a brighter place as a result of Annika's arrival. She was raised outside of Amboy, MN, by parents Peter and Trudy, and alongside older sister Maren, older brother Joseph, and younger brother Isaac. Annika always had an incredible love of family. As a child, she insisted that one day she would buy the neighbor's house, so that she could be close to her Mom and Dad forever. In a tight-knit family, she was the fabric that wove it together and made it whole.

Annika received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Bethany Lutheran College, and an advanced degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in Professional School Counseling. She was an inspiring, compassionate, and dedicated counselor for thousands of elementary and middle school students. Throughout her life, she had an impact on others. Much like her approach to family, she poured her whole heart into these relationships. Annika was playful, witty and intelligent. She lived with transparency and authenticity, making those in her acquaintance feel seen and cherished.

Through this network of friends, Annika was introduced to the love of her life, Kalin Olivo, of Blue Earth, MN. Annika was already a tremendous person, and somehow Kalin made her better. Their partnership made her feel beautiful, confident, and alive. She dreamed of growing old alongside him, but absorbed enough love in their decade together to last many lifetimes. In July 2021, Annika and Kalin were granted their greatest gift, the birth of their son Walter. Annika cherished motherhood. Her spirit will live on through Walter, and the world will be better off for it.

"And perhaps what made her beautiful was not her appearance or what she achieved, but in her love and in her courage, and her audacity to believe: no matter the darkness around her, Light ran wild within her, and that was the way she came alive, and it showed up in everything".

A private family service will be held. A public celebration will take place on May 10, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Bridges Community School in North Mankato.