“Governor Olson served North Dakota with dignity and a steady hand as our state’s top law enforcement officer and chief executive,” Armstrong said. “His dedication to the well-being of our citizens and his contributions to natural resources management brought lasting benefits to the people of North Dakota. Kjersti and I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family, friends and former colleagues throughout North Dakota.”

Born in Rolla and raised on a farm near Sarles, Olson earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Dakota. He served in the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps lawyer and as chief of military justice in Munich, Germany. In 1967 he returned to North Dakota and served as assistant director of the Legislative Research Committee (now Legislative Council) from 1967 to 1969, directing the state’s first study of strip mining, soil banks and land reclamation, according to the State Historical Society. Olson worked in private practice from 1969 until his first successful run for attorney general in 1972. He was re-elected to a second term in 1976 and then elected governor in November 1980, serving one term.

During his time as governor, Olson worked with the Task Force on Drunk Driving and supported the Garrison Diversion program to supply Missouri River water for agricultural and other uses. His administration also saw the creation of the Department of Human Services and Cross Ranch State Park.

After serving as governor, he returned to private practice and relocated to Minnesota, where he became co-owner of a die-casting company in New Hope in 1987. Olson also served as president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota and was appointed by President George W. Bush to the International Joint Commission.

MDN File Photo Gov. Allen I. Olson, right, was commencement speaker to a standing-only crowd in Minot State University Swain Hall in May 1981. At the left is MSU President Gordon B. Olson. In his commencement address, the governor told the 454 graduates to welcome life’s changes.

Funeral arrangements are pending.