Leland Olson

Leland’s service will be viewable below:

Leland Karlton Olson, 79, of Fargo, ND (formerly Buxton, ND) died August 9, 2023 at Sanford Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

Leland was born August 11, 1943 in Grand Forks, ND to Ole L. and Viola G. (Odegard) Olson. He attended Stavanger #3 in rural Buxton, ND through 8th grade and graduated from Climax, MN High School in 1961. He continued his education at North Dakota State University receiving his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics in 1968. During his time at NDSU, Leland was an active member of the Coop House Fraternity. While in High School and College he raised and showed Berkshire Hogs, having the first certified Berkshire herd in North Dakota.

While in college he met his future wife, Diane Hewitt. They were married June 10, 1967 in Fargo, ND. After graduating from NDSU, Leland and Diane returned to the Olson Family Farm in rural Buxton, ND where they resided for 52 years. They were blessed with three children: Lionel Kevin in 1969, Trygg Karlton in 1971 and Nicole Marie in 1974.

Leland started farming with his father in 1962. He farmed many years with his brother Jon and on his own through 1990. After leaving farming, he obtained his realtor and insurance licenses. He sold insurance for MayPort Insurance (now HUB International) until the time of his death. Leland served on many boards, some of which include: Stavanger Township Board serving as Treasurer and Assessor for 50 years; Buxton Rural Fire Protection District; Trail County Farmers Union; Farmers Union Elevator of Buxton and founding board member of Central Valley Bean Coop. He was active in Valley Sportsman Club, Buxton Volunteer Fire Department and was a 4-H Leader.

Leland’s hobbies included duck, goose and deer hunting along with fishing. His fondest hunting memories are the outings that included his sons, grandsons, brothers and cousin. In recent years, Leland learned to use a wood lathe and enjoyed making duck and goose calls. He also loved spending time at the family cabin in Minnesota, especially when his grandchildren were visiting.

Leland is survived by his wife Diane; his two sons Lionel (Carolyn) Olson, Grand Forks, ND, and Trygg Olson, Carrington, ND; daughter Nicole (James) Byerley, Hazen, ND; five grandchildren Eva (fiancée Sam Wagner) Byerley, Olivia (fiancée Daniel Young) Byerley, Garrett Byerley, Levi Olson and McKenzie Olson; sister Gwendolyn (Rev. Robert) Sorenson, Bettendorf, IA; two brothers Roland (Mattie) Olson, Winchester, VA and Jonathan (Linda) Olson, Grand Forks, ND; brother-in-law Charles (Jackye) Hewitt, Fargo, ND; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Charles and Martha Hewitt and nephew Christopher Sorenson.

A funeral service will take place at 10am with visitation at 9am on Friday, August 18, 2023 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery Mausoleum at 3pm.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Essentia Hospital and Sanford Hospice House for the love and care they showed Leland.