Donna Gene Olson

Donna Gene Olson, 82, passed away on January 16, 2023, at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo, ND where she received exceptional care from the home and hospice staff. She was born to Pearl and Elmer Nottestad in Maddock, North Dakota on May 26, 1940, and was the third of 3 children. She was baptized at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Donna grew up in rural North Dakota in the town of Minnewaukan. Her fondest childhood memories include riding the large draft horses and tending to chickens, piglets, dogs, and the garden at her grandparents’ small farm in Harlow. Donna attended Minnewaukan schools, graduating in 1958. She then attended St. Luke’s Nursing School in Fargo, ND where she graduated as a registered nurse in 1961. Her training included working at several different hospitals, including in Chicago.

Donna married her high school sweetheart, John Olson on September 9, 1962, after his 4 years of service in the U.S. Navy. She loved helping bring babies into the world as an OB nurse in Grand Forks while John attained his engineering degree at the University of North Dakota.

Donna and John and their four children lived in Grand Forks and Fargo before moving to Devils Lake in 1979. Donna began her decades-long career with the North Dakota Department of Human Services where she continued to serve others in the aging and tribal service fields. Donna spoke highly and often of her wonderful co-workers whom she considered family. Several granddaughters are also choosing the field of nursing due to Grandma Donna’s positive influence.

Donna enjoyed hitting the road and her adventures included visiting Europe, China, Mexico, and most states in the union for family get-togethers. She loved riding to the lake in her convertible with the top down and stopping at every antique store along the way.

Grandma Donna was loved and adored by her children and grandchildren who will always cherish her handwritten notes and meticulously wrapped gifts, making potato klub, and her presence at every sporting event humanly possible.

Donna is survived by her loving husband John, her four children Terry (Brian) Williams, Eagan, MN; Tim (Jennifer) Olson, Fargo, ND; Tani (Jeff) McLean, Charleston, SC; and Troy (Lisa) Olson, Cave Creek, AZ; her 10 grandchildren Alex, Lauren (Spring), and Shelby Williams; Jack and Kate Olson; Callie, Hannah and Sophie McLean; and Erica and Trent Olson; great-grandchild Leon; and her sister Twila Hansen, Andover, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law Ida and Holger Olson, and sister Joyce Rognlie.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 7 PM Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo – with a visitation one hour prior (live streamed on the funeral home website for those unable to attend)

BURIAL: Fargo National Cemetery (at a later date)

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com