Dennis Olson

Souris

Dennis Olson, 82, resident of Mesa AZ, formerly Souris and Fargo ND, passed away peacefully on April 3rd, 2025, in Mesa, AZ while surrounded by family and friends.

Dennis was born to Henry and Oline Olson in 1943. Dennis married Connie Vandal on September 11, and they were blessed with two children, Traci and Jed, along with two grandchildren, Shawna and Jessica. Dennis and Connie would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this September.

Dennis had a degree in Architectural Drafting and Construction Management. He owned Creative Living Inc Construction, Hot Tubs and Pools in the Fargo, ND area for 33 years with his wife. Through the years they were blessed with many dedicated employees, amazing clients and the ability to travel on several business trips to Aruba, Mexico, Thailand, Hawaii, Japan and a variety of US states. Dennis was an active member of the Fargo-Moorhead Homebuilders Association board helping the community through advocacy and awareness of construction needs. His church, faith, and community were very important to him, compelling him to volunteer for community meals, particularly as a dishwasher. Nobody offered to take his job. He was also active in various social groups and coffee groups throughout his life.

In his youth, Dennis was an exceptional baseball player, helping his team to win the state tournament in 1959. Later, he developed a love for archery and became a founding member of the Sandhills Archery Club in West Fargo, ND and a longtime volunteer for Twist of Fate to provide hunting opportunities for the physically challenged.

Dennis gave back to the youth of the community as an archery educator, softball coach, and boy scout leader. In his role as an archery mentor, he helped several students win the ND State Archery tournament and go on to nationals. With the boy scouts, Dennis trained several Eagle Scouts including his son Jed. As a Boy Scout himself, Dennis traveled to B*S*A National Jamboree Valley Forge 1957 where the scouts and leaders slept in New York Central Park under the stars. While in boy scouts, the city of Souris, ND appointed him to attend the National Jamboree. Traveling to NYC became one of his favorite stories to tell anyone who would listen.

Dennis was a loved and loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Dennis was known for his warmth, kindness, honesty and storytelling. He touched the lives of many throughout his 82 years and lived a fulfilled life marked by family, friends, love, laughter, and faith. His stories and legacy live on with those he leaves behind.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Connie; daughter, Traci; son and daughter-in-law, Jed & Nancy Olson; and sister, Marlys Coonrod. Dennis also has two grandchildren; Shawna and Jessica whom he loved to visit. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Oline Olson, and brother, Jerry.

A graveside celebration of life will be held on July 21, at 10:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery 97th Street NE Minot, ND 58703. The officiating Pastor Brandy Gerjets, reception to follow.

A celebration of Life for Dennis will be held at Sunland Village East (SVE) Mesa, AZ, November 5, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Sedona building at 2515 S Farnesworth Dr Mesa, AZ 85209. Officiating Pastor Jim Burnett, reception to follow.

You may donate to Hospice of the Valley, Alzheimer’s, or a charity of your choice on behalf of Dennis B Olson.

Thomas Family Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 15, 2025.