Lavern "Vern" Olson
July 9, 1950 ~ April 22, 2025
Vern Stanley Olson, age 74, from Gardner, North Dakota, passed away on April 22, 2025, surrounded by family and friends at Sanford Hospice in Fargo, ND.
Vern was born July 9, 1950, to Maurice and Vida (Nelsen) Olson in Williston, N.D. He graduated from Williston High School in 1968. He attended Hanson Mechanical Trade School, Fargo, ND, graduating in 1974. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1969, completing his basic training in Fort Ord, CA. He served intermittently for over 13 years with an honorable discharge in 1981.
He married his first wife, Wanda, from Williston, ND, just out of high school and they had two children. In 1991 he married his current wife, Agnes (Hitz) Olson, and lived with her on their farm in Gardner, ND, until his death.
He worked for Concord, Inc. in Fargo, ND, as a Field Service Representative up until 1989. He went on to work for CASE IH in Fargo, ND, for 29 years as a Welder until he retired in 2017.
Vern enjoyed deer hunting and fishing in North Dakota and Minnesota. His most memorable hunt was in South Africa where he enjoyed hunting and exploring with members of his family. He enjoyed traveling to Fiji and other exciting places with his wife, Agnes, and spending time together on their farm taking care of their horses, dogs, and cats, and maintaining the equipment in his garage. He loved having fun and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Agnes Olson, Gardner, ND, his daughter Melissa (Jason) Minnie, Georgetown, MN, his son Christopher Olson, Moorhead, MN, his sister Coleen and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. We were coworkers in the 70’s – 80’s at Ehrichs Mfg and Concord. Vern was a great guy to work with.
Sorry about Vern’s. He was a fun person to be around. I remember working with him at Ehrich’s manufacturing and through the Case years.
I Was very fortunate to have worked with Vern my first day at CNH. He Trained me on Airplanes my first week and I’m grateful and honored I got to know him. I wish I would have seen him after he retired.