David L. Olson
Aug. 22, 1948-June 10, 2009David Layne Olson, 60, Minot, and formerly of rural Des Lacs, died Wednesday, June 10, 2009, in a Minot hospital following a two-year struggle with metastic colon cancer and heart problems.
David was born Aug. 22, 1948, in Minot to J. Arlo and Helen (Busek) Olson. He was raised on the family farm in Rolling Green Township of Ward County, south of Des Lacs, and attended rural schools in that area. He was confirmed at Rose Valley Lutheran Church, rural Des Lacs, graduated from Des Lacs-Burlington High School in 1966 and from North Dakota State University, Fargo, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Delta fraternity, in 1970 with a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering.
David married Judy Tofte on June 13, 1970, in Wadena, Minn. From 1971 until 1973, he was employed at the S.S. Kresge Co. and served as the assistant manager for a Jupiter store in Moline, Ill., a Kresge store in suburban Chicago, and a Kmart store in Oak Creek, Wis.
He returned to the family farm following his father's death in 1973. Farming was a very enjoyable life for him, even with its ups and downs. David retired from farming in 1998. To keep busy, David worked part time doing custodial work for AMS, Target, and most recently for First Western Bank & Trust. He especially enjoyed socializing with the people with whom he worked and took great pride in every task for which he was responsible. His health forced him to retire in March 2009.
David enjoyed traveling, with his favorite trips being to Norway, Venezuela and Alaska. He had a special appreciation for the scenery of the places he visited. He enjoyed bowling and was an avid sports fan. David enjoyed trips to casinos, composing poems and songs, and had a special love for music. His children and grandchildren were the highlight of his life. He enjoyed hearing about and seeing their accomplishments.
His loving family includes: his wife of 38 years, Judith; children, Mark A. (Jolie) Olson, Anchorage, Alaska, and Jennifer E. (Brooks) Pederson, West Fargo; grandchildren, Jacob T. and Jared A. Olson, Anchorage, Gabriel A. and Reagan E. Pederson, West Fargo; mother, Helen M. (Ernest) Tague, Minot; sisters, Arla M. (Dave) Huser, Lester Prairie, Minn., and Marlene K. (Dave) Parker; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents and father, J. Arlo Olson.
Funeral service: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at 11 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.
Visitation: Monday, June 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).
