John C. Oltvedt
August 24, 1982 ~ September 4, 2026
John’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 3:00 PM Monday, September 14, 2026.
John Carl Oltvedt, 44, of Moorhead, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on September 4, 2026, following a work-related accident in Casselton, North Dakota.
John was born August 24, 1982, in Alma, Michigan, to Carl Oltvedt and Nancy (Kerch) Campbell. He grew up in Moorhead, a community he was proud to call home throughout his life. He earned his GED and later attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he studied art and design.
John spent many years in the restaurant industry, working as a pizza cook at Green Mill and later as a chef at the Hotel Donaldson. He eventually turned his natural mechanical ability and love of working with his hands into a new career, serving as a Commercial Maintenance Engineer at Roers and, most recently, as a Maintenance Engineer at North Dakota Soybean Processors.
Of all the roles John held in his life, none meant more to him than being a dad. He loved his daughter, Nora, deeply and was immensely proud of her and everything she did. She carries so many of the very best parts of him. John was fiercely loyal and loved big. His friendships mattered deeply to him, and he leaves behind a large circle of close and lifelong friends.
A proud Moorhead resident, John remained a devoted Spud fan throughout his life – “Once a Spud, always a Spud.” His passions were unmistakably his own, and many were permanently represented in his extensive collection of tattoos. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson, deer hunting, LEGO, Star Wars, cooking – especially making a great pizza – and enjoying a My Father No. 3 cigar. He was a devoted Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey fan and took great pride in being “Norwegian.” John also held a deep appreciation for Native American culture, a connection made especially meaningful through his daughters.
John is survived by his daughter, Nora Oltvedt, and her mother, Libby Tossey; his significant other, Kristin Tehle, and her children, Elias and Lillian; his parents, Carl Oltvedt and Nancy (Kerch) Campbell; his sister, Sara Oltvedt; his brother-in-law and dear friend, Dan Olson; his nephew, Camden Oltvedt; his aunt, Louise Hertsgaard; his uncle, Greg Oltvedt; his aunt, Claudia Oltvedt;his cousins, Chris (Tina) Oltvedt and Kirsten (Pat) Halseth; and his many extended family members and treasured friends.
John was preceded in death by his daughter, Josephine Elaine; his uncle, John Hertsgaard; and his grandparents, Helen and John Kerch, and Elaine and Carl Oltvedt.
In lieu of flowers, those withing to honor John may contribute to the John Oltvedt Memorial Fund, established to support those he loved and leaves behind.
Services
Visitation: Monday, September 14, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sanctuary Events Center
670 4th Ave N
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 404-9006
https://www.sanctuaryevents.com/
Memorial Service: Monday, September 14, 2026 3:00 pm
Sanctuary Events Center
670 4th Ave N
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 404-9006
https://www.sanctuaryevents.com/
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Finding out about John’s passing was absolutely heartbreaking. It’s so hard to find the words when someone is taken from this world far too soon.
John was an amazing friend and a wonderful dad. It was always so clear how proud he was of Nora and how much she meant to him. My heart breaks for her and for Libby as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Our hearts are with Nora, Libby, and John’s entire family during this terrible time. John was loved by so many, and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
John left a lasting impact on all of us at Roers. His knowledge, kindness, and the moments we were fortunate enough to share with him will always be remembered. He touched so many lives and will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
John played such an important part in my life growing up. His patience, kindness, and gentleness are things I will never forget. I was probably an 8-year-old running around, yapping about who knows what, and he always listened. He made you feel heard.
I remember how proud and determined he was when he found out about Nora. It was incredible to witness. I may have been young, but I just knew he was going to be determined to be the best Red Wings-loving father—the best kind.
My dad also suddenly passed in 2018. I remember John reaching out then. I hadn’t heard from him or seen him in years, but I remember the effort he made and the kindness he showed. That meant more than he probably ever knew.
I wish I could be there—to reconnect with those around him, share stories, and spread some love. Unfortunately, as an active-duty service member, I’m unable to be present, but I couldn’t let this moment pass without sending a message and letting it be known that John genuinely touched another person’s life.
To the family:
I know most of you may not know me, or may not even know of me, but I hope you know this—John was special. He was special to have so much love surrounding him today and always. Thank you for sharing a piece of someone so very special with the world.
To Libby:
wow… has it been forever. These are terrible circumstances for a reach out, but I want you to know that I do think of you guys often. You truly touched my heart in ways I can’t fully explain. I just know are an incredible mother! You have a strength and dedication that I have rarely, if ever, seen. You taught me and shared your insights on my very minimal Native American blood- (well actually you did give me a little more hehe). Thank you for all you are and all that you have done. Keep pushing especially on those hard days! Much love!
To Nora:
I know you don’t know me, or maybe you do—I’m not sure. But I also know you already know this: your father was an incredible man. There are no words, and nothing in this world, that could ever fully measure the love he had for you.
There is also nothing that will ever completely take this pain away. This is easily the hardest thing you will ever go through. There will be days when things seem okay. There will be days when it burns just to think about him, or even the existence of dads. There may be an envy or even a jealousy on those who still have theirs. There will be days when you’re so angry you want to hate everything. And all of that is okay. Feel your pain. Let yourself grieve. But always remember who he was, who you are, and the love you shared. Celebrate him whenever and however you can. Nothing can take him away from you spiritually or emotionally. His love is a part of you, and that will never change.
So much love to you, always.
To John:
Thank you for sharing your life.
May you ride your Harley into everlasting peace!
Rip yes once a spud always a spud you will be missed by your family and friends and all your spud friends and I wish all your family well and all support they will always need
Johnny O! Such a good dude. So sorry to hear of his passing. Way too young for a guy with such a zeal for life. My sympathies to all the family and friends who I know will miss him deeply!
“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” – Shakespeare
Libby and Nora, I’m so incredibly sorry to hear of John’s passing. I am absolutely heartbroken to hear the news and have been thinking of you constantly. It is so incredibly difficult to find the right words during a time of such profound loss. Please know that I am sending you all my love and deepest condolences as you navigate this painful journey. I hope you can find some small measure of comfort in the warm memories you hold dear. My heart is truly with you and your family while you go through this challenging time. 🕊️❤️
And I’m glad I have those memories.
We don’t always get to finish things the way we’d like. Sometimes people just go their separate ways and that’s life. But that doesn’t make the time you shared any less real.
So here’s to an old friend, to the good times we had, and to living life while we’ve got the chance.
Hvil i fred, gamle venn.
Rest in peace, old friend
My deepest, sincerest condolences for your loss. I’m truly sorry.
Best wishes to you both.
Tim