Howard J. Olson

Howard J. Olson, 90, Fargo, ND, died on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, in Sanford Health Palliative Care, Fargo, ND.

Howard John Olson was born on October 23, 1924, in Barnesville, MN, to John and Hilma Hanson Olson. He grew up and attended school there, graduating from Barnesville High School. He attended the North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, MN, and then went to work in Fargo, ND.

On August 14, 1949, Howard married Lillian G. Halliday in Fargo, and they made their home in Moorhead. He began his career with Pioneer Rim and Wheel, where he worked until retiring in 1990.
Howard was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa. Known for his uncanny memory and wonderful sense of humor, he was active in his church, Gideons and Kiwanis. He had a great heart for missions.

Howard was not a collector of things, but rather, a collector of people.

He is survived by his children, Rebecca Tom Wetzel of Ely, MN, Tim Diane Olson of Fargo, ND, Patty Wes Well of Lisbon, ND and Tom Jennifer Olson of Detroit Lakes, MN; grandchildren, Sarah Christopher Schurke and their children, Logan and Issac; Jay Missy Wetzel and their children, Sabine, Sylvie, Calvin and Daphne; John Sarah Wetzel and their children, William, August and Annalise; Jennifer Olson, Peter Kaela Olson and Katie Olson, as well as Alex and Anna Well and Hunter Olson; brothers James Karen Olson, and Paul Kathy Bares Olson; sisters Ruby Henderson, Jeroma Hanson and Norma Mettling; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lil, two sisters and two brothers and his great-grandson, Nicky.

Howard’s family wishes to express a special thanks to the staff at Villa Maria and the Sanford Palliative Care Center.

Visitation: Sunday, November 2, 2014, from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN, and one hour before the funeral in the church.
Funeral: Monday, November 3, 2014, at 10:00 A.M., in the First Assembly Church, Fargo, ND.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.