Ira Olerud

Ira Elmer Olerud, 99, passed away Friday, January 14, 2022 at Farmstead Living Center, Moorhead. Ira was born January 3, 1923 to Andrew and Bertha (Hagen) Olerud in Mayville, ND. He attended school in Kelso, ND before moving to Hillsboro, and then later Harwood, ND, graduating from Argusville High School in 1941. From there, Ira attended college at NDAC where he completed a degree in Welding. He enlisted in the Navy in 1945, where he worked in the shipyards in Bremerton, WA. Ira had worked on some of the ships that were bombed at Pearl Harbor. He later discharged in 1946 when he fell ill. Ira married Betty Erickson on October 4, 1946 in Portland. They lived in St. Paul for 50 years until moving back to Fargo in 2007. Ira loved to spend his time woodworking. He made rocking horses for his grandchildren that they still use to this day. Ira was a loved father figure, brother, grandpa, friend, and so many other titles he lived up to. He will be deeply missed. Ira is survived by his siblings; Anne Nelson, Bertha Stangland, Nick (Carol) Olerud; and son, Scott (Susan) Ebersole. Ira was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Olerud; parents, Andrew and Bertha; and siblings, June Olerud and Art Olerud. A private family service will take place at a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Oakwood Cemetery in Harwood or plant a tree in memory of Ira.