Bruce Olstad

Bruce Arthur Olstad was born on August 24,1940 in Valley City, ND to Arthur Olstad and Mildred (Burton) Olstad. He graduated from Audubon, MN high School in 1958. He attended Business College in Detroit Lakes, MN concentrating on Accounting and Business.

Buce moved to St Paul, MN in 1960 and began working for GTA (Grain Terminal Association) now
Cenex/Harvest States. He began in the grain hedging department and moved over to auditing, a career that would span 30+ years. Bruce loved his time on the road traveling between grain elevators all over North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

When Bruce retired from Harvest States, he embarked on a career in Real Estate sales in the Fargo-Moorhead area. He was gently prodded by Doris to find something to do to occupy his time.

Bruce met his future wife Doris in 1961. They were united in marriage in Henderson, MN August 3, 1963. Bruce met Doris while she was attending Nurses college. Bruce happened to end up in the emergency room at Anker Hospital in St Paul, MN. There is an interesting story as to how he ended up in the emergency room, which is not suitable for publication. They made their home in St. Paul, MN.

Bruce was a member of the Minnesota National Guard, a time that he spoke of with great fondness. Bruce often jokes that the 1st piece of mail that they received after they were married was his enlistment orders. He completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Bruce and Doris had 2 children: a son John (KaSaundra) and a daughter Mary (Stacey). As a family they moved 4 separate times, starting with a move to West Fargo, ND in 1977 and ending with a move “back home” to Fargo, ND in the spring of 1990.

Bruce was an ardent sports fan, growing up he was a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Minnesota Golden Gophers, and eventually falling into the trap that most people from the area have…a Minnesota Vikings fan. He carried this love of sports with him always and enjoyed all sporting events. Bruce and Doris were the biggest supporters of their children’s events, always being in the stands to show their support. Bruce put his support to the test; once driving from Wolf Point, Montana to Aberdeen, South Dakota to Yankton, South Dakota and back home to Aberdeen, South Dakota in one day, to make sure they were present for a high school football game. Look up the miles that were covered in one day, Mary jokes that “he was fueled by adrenaline, strong coffee, and Marlboro Red cigarettes.

Bruce continued his love for sports by showing his support with his grandchildren; he had 3 grandchildren. Gunnar, Jack and Ava. Up until Doris’s medical issues they attended every event, whether it be a football game or a dance recital, they were always in attendance. Enjoying the opportunity to be back on the road again.

Bruce passed away on Tuesday August 26, 2025, just 2 days after his 85th birthday. He passed away in his home in West Fargo, ND.

Bruce was proceeded in death by his parents Arthur (1976) and Mildred (1977), an infant brother and his wife Doris. Bruce is survived by a sister Barbara (Gary) Audubon, MN. Children John (KaSaundra). Moorhead, MN, and Mary (Stacey) Fargo, ND. Grandchildren Gunnar (Riley) Olstad Valley City, ND, Jack Olstad, and Ava Anderson.

A graveside service is still being planned at First Lutheran Cemetery in Audubon, MN with a date TBD.

In lieu of flowers or plants please donate to:
First Lutheran Cemetery
373 3rd Street
PO Box #7
Audubon, MN 56511