Craig D. Olson

Craig David Olson, Moorhead, MN, died suddenly at Sanford Medical Center on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, when he ended up at the emergency room instead of going to the YMCA for a workout as he had planned.  We thank everyone at Sanford who tried to save him.  His heart was not able to cooperate.  LifeSource has recovered everything his body could offer to continue helping others.

Craig was born on August 22, 1949, the son of Lee and Odella (Renebo) Olson in Mankato, MN.  He received an excellent education at Washington Elementary and Ben Franklin Junior High in Fargo, Fargo Central and Fargo North High Schools and Concordia College in Moorhead.

He had fond memories of his year teaching middle school math in West Fargo.  He also taught tennis and bridge in Fargo and Moorhead.

He met Katherine Wengeler Thomas when they both worked as paralegals.  On October 21, 1978 they were married, and Craig also became a fine stepdad to 8-year-old Jason.  Craig and Katherine recently celebrated their 40^th anniversary.

Craig worked for many years as a legal administrator in Moorhead and later as a healthcare data analyst in Fargo.

Craig loved music.  At the age of four, he was the subject of a Forum newspaper article by Tom Lucier about his ability to play the piano by ear.  He also loved sports, animals, puzzles, games of skill, pizza and potato chips.  Craig was NOT a fan of winter, but he stayed in this cold country to humor his wife who loves the change of seasons.  However, they both enjoyed a mid-winter escape to a sunny beach when possible.

Craig was known for his kindness, intelligence and subtle humor.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents.  He will be missed by his wife; stepson, Jason (Renee Bellinger) Thomas, Hawaii; granddaughter, Eliana; brother, Gary (Kathleen Kelly) Olson, Bethlehem, PA; nieces, Alix (Jaime Masick) Olson, Decatur, GA, and Elizabeth (Brian Fisher) Devlin, Brooklyn, NY; loyal companions, dog Harley and cat Boo; grandniece and grandnephews, cousins, and many others whose lives he touched.

Memorials preferred to the humane organization of your choice.

His life will be celebrated at a later time.