Lonnie Olson

Minot

Lonnie Ray Olson, 78, of Minot, North Dakota, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Somerset Court in Minot, North Dakota after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Lonnie Olson was born on February 27, 1947 to John and Ragna (Evenson) Olson. He was the youngest of nine children. Lonnie grew up in Stanley, North Dakota and graduated from Stanley High School in 1965. He was drafted into the United States Army in November 1966, and after serving in Vietnam he was honorably discharged in November 1968.

After he was discharged Lonnie operated heavy equipment for several years before he attended college. He graduated with a degree in accounting, a career he thoroughly enjoyed, and would continue most of his adult life.

Lonnie was a CFO of many airline companies throughout his career. Even after he retired his passion for numbers and accounting continued! Lonnie married Betty Fladeland on August 15, 1969 and together they started their lifelong journey side by side. The couple enjoyed many adventures and travels together throughout their 55-year marriage. Lonnie and Betty owned and operated a KOA Camp in Ely, Nevada for several years. Lonnie was a very devoted and caring husband, brother, and uncle.

Lonnie enjoyed working with his hands and was a great carpenter, mechanic, and heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed restoring antique cars and was an active member of the Dakota Cruisers car club. Lonnie was a lifetime member of the American Legion, and was also a member of the Des Lacs United Methodist Church.

Lonnie is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty Olson; brother-in-laws, Robert Fladeland and Jack (Aneda) Fladeland; and sister-in-law’s, Dorothy Olson and Sylvia Fladeland; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arlo, Odelle, Curt, and Daryl; sisters, Vivian, Evelyn, Wanda, and Darlene.

God bless the memory of Lonnie Ray Olson.

Lonnie’s Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Springan Stevenson Funeral Home in Stanley, North Dakota. There will be a public visitation held one hour prior to the Memorial Service, starting at 10 a.m. at the Springan Stevenson Funeral Home. Pastor Rick Craig officiates.

Lonnie will be laid to rest at the Fairview Cemetery in Stanley, North Dakota. There will be a luncheon held at The Pines Building in Stanley, ND following the Memorial Service.

The Funeral Service will be recorded and uploaded, you can view Lonnie’s service directly on his obituary page on our website www.springanstevenson.com.

Springan Stevenson Funeral Home of Stanley has been entrusted with arrangements and services. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.springanstevenson.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 30, 2025.