Eleanor Olson

Williston

Eleanor Olson, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, at Bethel Home in Williston, ND, with family at her bedside.

Her Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 12th at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Williston, ND. Interment will take place at the Hillside Memory Gardens following the service.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 11th from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Everson Coughlin Funeral Home downtown Williston, ND. A Friends and Family Service will be held at 5:00 PM at the Funeral Home, all are welcome to attend and share memories of Eleanor.

Eleanor was born on August 13, 1931, at the family farm near Cavalier, ND to parents Alvin and Evelyn (Bill) Crosby. She became the big sister to Irene, William, Carole, Douglas, Marlo, Lynn and Susan. Eleanor maintained lifelong relationships with her siblings and cherished visits with them. She attended school in Hamilton and Cavalier, graduating from Cavalier High School in 1949. Eleanor would often share memories of working at the movie theater and spending time with her girlfriends. Following graduation, Eleanor attended Jamestown College, graduating in 1952. While at Jamestown College she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Olson. They married on June 12, 1954.

Eleanor and Bob’s married life took them on journeys to Minneapolis, San Francisco, New Orleans, Bismarck and finally Williston. While Bob was preparing for and eventually carrying out his medical career, Eleanor maintained a household with five children, numerous pets and a consistently bountiful garden. For many years, Eleanor also worked as a bookkeeper for Bob’s medical practice.

Eleanor was an active member of First Lutheran Church. She and Bob volunteered in a variety of ways, including funeral meal planning, bookkeeping, quilting and the lutefisk dinner. Eleanor volunteered in the community and state by serving on the Williams County Zoning Board, North Dakota State Library Board, Homemakers Club and as a 4H leader.

Eleanor became a master gardener which was always evidenced in her picture perfect flower garden. She thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the flowers and the time spent outdoors. One of her other many talents was quilting. She created hundreds of beautiful quilts which were shared with her family and friends who were celebrating weddings or new babies.

There is no doubt that Eleanor’s joy in life was her family. She was proud of everyone’s accomplishments, whether they be large or small. Eleanor always had time for her children and grandchildren, never rushing the moment, so that everyone knew that they were important to her. Along with time, Eleanor’s gift was typically food. A hot meal, a lunchbox of sandwiches or fresh produce from the garden were given in love to all who knew her. Eleanor had a very generous heart and graciously supported numerous family members through their education. Her legacy of giving will live on for many years.

Eleanor and Bob lived many happy years in the home they built together. Following Bob’s passing on November 6,2018, Eleanor made her home at the Arbor House and Bethel Nursing Home. She appreciated the kind care and good friendships that developed in both locations.

Eleanor will be missed by many, but there is a peace in knowing that she has been reunited in eternity with Bob, her parents and siblings that passed before her.

Eleanor is survived by her children Michael (Pamela) Olson of Fargo, Robert (Kathy) Olson of Fargo, Kathy Harger of Williston, Jesse (Amy) Olson of Madison, Wisconsin, and Jason (Lisa) Olson of Minot; grandchildren, James (Sher) Olson, Samuel (Jade) Zosel,Matthew (Rohina) Olson, Margaret (James Zelubowski) Olson, Nicholas (Brittany)Olson, Gabriel Olson (fiance’ Amanda Zoerhof), Joseph Olson, Kayla (Christopher) Darling, Katie (Tate) Barbot, Christian (Courtney )Olson and Paige Olson; great-grandchildren Oliver Darling-Cree, Theodore Olson, Thomas Olson, Ishaan Olson, Eleanor Olson, Grayson Olson, Easton Olson, Kooper Olson, Finnick Olson, Wylie Barbot, Jack Zelubowski, Cannon Olson, Charles Olson, Emiko Zosel with five more due in 2025; siblings, William (Audrey) Crosby, Carole Deer, Douglas (Connie) Crosby, Marlo Ytterdahl, Lynn (Sheila) Crosby and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Eleanor’s family requests that memorials be given to the Bethel Lutheran Foundation in support of “A New Place To Call Home” campaign.

The Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home of Williston is in care of arrangements. Visit our website at eversoncoughlin.com to share memories of Eleanor.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 9, 2025.