Eugene L. Olson

eugene olson

August 19, 1940 ~ August 2, 2026

Born in: Warren, Minnesota
Resided in: Hillsboro, North Dakota

Eugene’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below starting at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026:

Eugene passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at his home in Hillsboro, ND, surrounded by his loving family, and under the care of HIA Hospice.

Eugene L. Olson was born on August 19, 1940, the son of August and Eline (Anderson) Olson in Warren, MN. Eugene grew up in Alvarado, MN where he received his education, graduating from high school in 1958.

Eugene proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959 until his honorable discharge in 1963, serving in Alaska, Germany, Spain, and Indiana. He was united in marriage to Gerlinde Herrmann on March 19, 1965, in Germany. They made their home in Germany until returning to the United States in 1966, when they moved back to Alvarado.

Eugene began working at the family grocery store, Olson Grocery, where he eventually took over for his father. In later years, he worked in sales for Armor Foods, and his last years were spent driving truck for Altendorf Trucking. While living in Alvarado, Eugene was very active in his community, serving on the City Council for 26 years, was a 50-year member of the American Legion, and was on the church council. He also was a school bus driver for several years, loved spending time hunting and woodworking. Eugene and Gerlinde moved to Hillsboro in 2025, where they have made their home since.

Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Gerlinde of Hillsboro; his three children – Brian (Kari) Olson of Crookston, MN; Steven (Sherri) Olson of Thief River Falls, MN; and Wendy (Darin) Oanes of Hillsboro; his beloved grandchildren – Alison (Randy Shafer) Olson, Jonathan (Lauren Thompson) Olson, Kate Oanes, Peter Oanes, Tom Oanes, Nick (Tiffany) Kuznia, and Chris Kuznia; and his special great-grandchildren – Madison and Nicholas Shafer, and Taya Otteson and Maggie Kuznia; and his brother-in-law, Peter Krisch of Aschaffenburg, Germany.

Also surviving are his brother, Alvin Olson of Underwood, MN; and his nephews – Paul Olson, Jimmy Nevue, and David Nevue. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Eline Olson; and his half-brother, James Nevue.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 1 PM Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, ND – with a visitation one hour prior

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Chapel in Hillsboro, ND. To sign the online guest book, or to view a livestream of the funeral service, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

Services

Visitation: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro
204 East Caledonia Avenue
Hillsboro, ND 58045

(701) 636-5701
http://oslchillsboro.com/

Funeral Service : Wednesday, August 12, 2026 1:00 pm

Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro
204 East Caledonia Avenue
Hillsboro, ND 58045

(701) 636-5701
http://oslchillsboro.com/

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Gerlinde and family, our sincere condolences to you, we are so very sorry and share your in your sadness. We will keep our memories with him close to our hearts and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Kim, Bret and Reese Van Sant.

  2. Gerlinda and family…when I read that Eugene had left us, I paused for awhile and allowed some tears to flow. While I was not a long-time companion, I reconnected with Eugene during recent seasonal harvests at my brother’s farm (Greg Pribula). Our short conversations were about our families, the famous Alvarado “Olson Grocery” owned by his father, the benefits and challenges of small town life, our health as aging men, and our shared devotion to Jesus Christ. Eugene was a committed Christian gentleman shaped and energized within the faith-filled Lutheran tradition. I pray that we will long remember Eugene’s kind and gracious spirit, his smile, his “easy going ways”, his honesty, and his spiritual soul always anchored in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
    Eugene, pray for us. You now enjoy the full delights of the Glory of God in Heaven!

  3. Livia, Steve, Lauren, and Aiden Zitzow says:

    Many life lessons, stories, and laughs were shared on the back patio of your house on West Bend Lane. You and Eugene patiently guided us though life, marriage, and parenthood and we couldn’t have asked for more. You welcomed our kids and dogs, let them treat your yard as theirs, and encouraged the many neighborhood kid adventures and games. We knew when Eugene came to the door, he was sure to have a plate of beautiful goodies or a brown bag wrapped around a warm loaf of bread. How did we ever become so blessed? I am sure he shook his head at our many yard and garden mishaps, but he always smiled and shrugged knowingly. Our dearest Gerlinde, know that he, and you, imprinted on all of our lives in so many ways. We are forever grateful to both of you.
    ~the Zitzow family

  4. Sorry to about Eugene I remember the store and all the visit we had
    Denise gornowicz sherlock He will be miss.

  5. As a former neighbor to Eugene when we were still at our homes in Alvarado I want to send along my condolences to Eugene’s family He was a person that had a welcoming laughter and was hard working and would be of help to anyone who needed it. Will be missed and have good memories of him. God’s blessings to all of the family.


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