Milton Richard Olson

Milton's prayer service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/809108153

Memorial service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/809109403

Milton's tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PGN4C7CFRKM2923L

Milt Olson passed away on Tuesday, February 28 at SMP Health - St. Catherine South in Fargo.

Milt was born on March 16, 1933, to Agnes and Gust Olson in Finley, ND. He graduated from Cooperstown High School. Milt loved high school in a smaller town where you could be involved in almost everything - not because of talent but because they needed you! Milt was especially proud of playing right end on their undefeated football team during his senior year.

The Korean War had started and Milt had two brothers already drafted and in Korea when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years. He spent 44 months on two different ships - the U.S.S. Yosemite and the U.S.S. Lawe.

After his discharge, Milt attended UND. In 1960 he started his teaching career in Ada, MN for 3 years then went to South Junior High School in Moorhead, MN where he taught for 16 years. Later, he spent 1 year in Melrose, MN, 2 1/2 years near Salem, Oregon and his last 9 years at Moorhead Senior High. Milt always bragged about the great students that he had in class plus all the wonderful people that he worked with through the years. Milt's summers were spent teaching summer school & driver's training and painting.

Milt was a proud "Dad" to two wonderful children, his daughter Tracy, and son, Todd. Then he was blessed with four wonderful grandchildren - granddaughter Chelsie and grandsons Brock, Sean and Tyler - and one great grandson, Trey. He was also Papa to so many daycare children.

Milt felt so lucky to have his family and many "great" friends. His interests included golf, dancing, public speaking, playing cards, joining his coffee groups, traveling and visiting with his friends.

Thanks to Dr. Keene and his staff at the VA Hospital, the staff at St. Catherine South, Hospice, Sanford Home Health, and so many friends and family for helping Milt so much especially in his final days. He appreciated the compassionate care that he received from you all.

Milt is survived by his two children - Tracy Ellingson (Bruce Hoyt) of Fargo and Todd Olson (Keiko) of Tokyo, Japan, and four grandchildren - Chelsie Ellingson (K.J.) of Dallas, Texas, Brock Ellingson of Fargo, and Sean & Tyler Olson of Tokyo, Japan. Milt is also survived by his special partner, Aggie Grant of Fargo, many nieces and nephews and former wife Diane Olson (Cussons) of Cooperstown.

Milt is preceded in death by his parents, Agnes & Gust Olson, sister Edna, and brothers Floyd, Russ & Maury.

Prayer Service: 6:30pm, Friday, March 17 at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home at 215 7th St. S., Fargo.
Funeral Service: 11am, Saturday, March 18 at 11am at Hope Lutheran Church, 3636 25th St. S., Fargo, ND.
Burial: Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND