Donald Bergman Olson

Donald Bergman Olson of Fargo, ND died Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Fargo VA Community Living Center surrounded by family with compassionate care provided by VA nursing and hospice staff.

Don Olson was born to Bert Olson and Ella (Bergman) Olson on September 23, 1934, in Jamestown, ND. He graduated high school in Bottineau, ND then attended trade school at the ND State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. After receiving his diploma, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the destroyer USS Arnold J. Isbell (DD-869).

Following his military service, he met and married Inez (Berntson) Olson on March 14, 1962. Don’s schooling and experience in air conditioning and heating led him to a position at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, managing the HVAC system. Don and Inez also farmed for a while near Valley City, then moved to Fargo to raise their two children. In Fargo, Don continued his career in HVAC, both commercially and residentially, ensuring comfortable environments for everyone. After he retired, he continued to help family and friends with home projects and maintenance. Gifted with the ability to fix most anything, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Don also enjoyed a sizable vegetable garden every year, which supplied the neighborhood with food well into winter.

Don was a man of profound integrity and steady temperament; his calm, grounding presence will be deeply missed.

Don is survived by his wife Inez (Berntson) Olson and his two children: Dan Olson (Shannon Olson) of Fargo, ND and Karen Olson (Mitch Hoffart) of Moorhead, MN; and his grandchild, RaeAnn Sperr (Dawson Sperr) of Fargo, ND.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Paul, and sister-in-law, JoAn.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Zion Free Lutheran Church, 3715 110th Ave SE., Valley City, ND 58072 with visitation starting at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Anne Carlsen Center, https://annecarlsen.org/