Marilyn Olson

Marilyn Jean Olson, age 96, was born to Rudolf and Ethel Hammerrud on December 10, 1928. God welcomed her home on April 11th, 2025.

After being a part of the 1946 graduating class of Fargo Central High School, Marilyn attended North Dakota State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition in 1950. While at college Marilyn was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She was a faithful Bison football fan throughout her whole life.

Marilyn was married to Robert Olson on June 8th, 1951. Two short years later she gave birth to their only child Lori Jean Olson (Billings). Marilyn was a full time loving wife and caregiver for Robert as his health declined. She was a devoted loving mother to Lori.

Marilyn also worked for 40 years at the Tri-State Auction as an administrative assistant and in sales. She was heavily involved with The Northland Independent Auto Dealers Association for 15 years. Additionally, she was a member of the Sisterhood in the Professional Employer Organization.

She was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fargo where she was an ordained Deacon, worked with the church library group, and was a member of Circle. Marilyn was a member of the Bible Study Fellowship Women’s Class for many years, and loved studying the Horizons Bible Study. She attended many Northern Plains Presbyterial meetings, Synod of Lakes and Prairies Presbyterian Women’s gatherings, and attended the Church-wide Gathering of Presbyterian Women at the 1997 General Assembly Offices in Louisville, Kentucky with her daughter, Lori and granddaughter Becky.

Marilyn was a Republican leader and instilled an inspiring attitude to civic duty within her family and friends. She enjoyed her time as a member of the Red Hat Society and the General Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star of North Dakota.

She was an incredibly active woman that loved caring for her plants and flowers, enjoyed Volksmarches in North Dakota and Minnesota, playing Bridge and Scrabble, and watching tennis. Marilyn took part in many bus tours and nature hikes. One of her favorite places to visit was Itasca State Park in Minnesota.

Marilyn loved attending Fargo-Moorhead Symphony and Orchestra concerts. She passed her love of music to her daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Somehow, she made time in her busy schedule to make the 3 hour trip to be present at almost every music concert that her grandchildren performed in. Recently, Marilyn would get a huge smile when talking to her great grandchildren about their music concerts.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her daughter Lori Billings, and her sister Barbara Sorenson. She is survived by her son in law Rev. Daniel Billings of Fargo, ND, grandson John Billings (Roxanne) of Mankato, MN, granddaughter Becky Billings (Joel Hagen) of Minnetonka, MN, and great grandsons Ezekiel and Silas Billings of Mankato, MN.