Olive Musolf Kirkland age 100 of Duluth, passed away surrounded by her family on January 6, 2026. She was born at her grandmother's home in Duluth on December 24, 1925 to parents, Michael and Stella (Mosiniak) Musolf.
On February 5, 1955 she married the love of her life, William Kirkland. Together, they raised 6 children as his military career took them throughout the country. Her deep catholic faith guided Olive through her 100 years. She listened deeply and always kept her focus on what matters most, people.
When asked the secret to living a long life, she said, “Take a true interest in people's lives”. Connection and commitment were the bedrock of who she was and how she lived. Olive has been part of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1954 and attended many of the yearly Duluth Denfeld High School reunion since 1944. She always looked for reasons to say “yes”. She started going to the gym in her 80’s, and at 86, joined a hiking club. Played rummikub weekly for 10 years with her deer friends. Traveled with the 55+ Club. She loved the 4th of July family reunions and held her own at the bean bag toss tournament. She will be greatly missed by all who are lucky to have known her.
Olive is preceded in death by her husband, William; and children, Kelly Marie and Kevin (Peggy); siblings, Pearl, Henry, Irene, Floyd, Jane, Charles, Richard, and Michael. She is survived by her children, Kolleen (Wade) Carlson, Keith (Beth), Kimberly Kirkland, and Kathleen Kirkland; grandchildren, Michael, Olivia, JoAnna, Elizabeth; William, Anne, David; Kelly Marie, Kristopher; Katherine, Nicole, and Robert; 11 great-grandchildren and many extended family and friends.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 23rd at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E Second Street, Duluth. The Visitation will continue from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 24th at St. Joesph Catholic Church, Duluth Heights. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Joseph Catholic Church.
