Richard Earl Olsen
November 10, 1941 ~ July 7, 2023
Born in:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Resided in:
West Fargo, North Dakota
Richard Earl Olsen, age 81, of West Fargo, ND, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Sanford Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born in Minneapolis, MN, November 10,1941. After graduating from Shanley High School in 1960, Richard entered the army and was stationed in Seoul, Korea. Upon returning, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy Mangen, on March 19, 1964. The loving couple built their dream home on Wall Street in Moorhead, MN, where they raised their four children. Richard proudly worked for his father at Rusco Window Company and eventually took over the family business. Once his children were grown, he and Judy moved to Pelican Lake in Pelican Rapids, MN to enjoy the lake life with their friends and family. His last move was to West Fargo, ND in 2014.
At every home he had, Richard turned a part of his garage into his own man cave where he spent most of his time reading the paper, listening to his classic country, fixing anything he needed to, and spending time visiting with his loved ones. However, there was never a weekday that he wasn’t settled in the house just in time to watch his favorite show: Judge Judy. Speed was one of his passions, particularly in one of his Corvettes, restored Cushman motorcycles or perfectly detailed Harley Davidsons. Richard was a master when it came to his yard, and it was always manicured to perfection and nothing less.
Richard was the type of person who would always be there for you if you came to him with a problem or needed help. He was the perfect example and teacher of hard work paying off, with his “work first, play later” motto. He will be missed by all that knew, loved, and respected him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Judy; four children Richard Jr. (Tami), Jeff (Stacey), Tim (Frank), and Kristin (Chris) Proell; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to be directed to the Gift -of-Life Transplant House (www.gift-of-life.org) 705 2nd Street SW Rochester, MN 55902
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: 2 PM Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo – with a gathering one hour prior. Services will be livestreamed on the funeral home website for those unable to attend.
BURIAL: A private family burial will take place at Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo at a later date
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Services
Celebration of Life - Thursday: July 13, 2023 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation - Thursday: July 13, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Judy ,
Myself and My Boys Gauge Lee and Seth Lee are Truely sorry for your loss. My boys have some beautiful Memories of Richard as you know they worked for him during their late teen years and early 20’s . Richard was an amazing man and Mentor. He taught my boys so much with the jobs around your home and properties . They were very fortunate to have ( the Grandfather figure ) in their lives through Richard. He taught them so much and they have shared so many great Memories and for that they and I will be forever Greatful he will be dearly missed and you and your family will be in our prayers. Gauge was also blessed to be a part of and visit him in his last journey in rehab. I know they both are forever blessed to have know “ RICHARD. “. God Bless you all and may he bring you peace and healing during this difficult time. Deb Courneya. ( Gauge and Seth Lee)
One last big hug until we meet again! xoxo Sheila
May God bless your family during this difficult time. Sending our love your way. Uncle Dick will be greatly missed, and he is in God’s hands which truly I can’t think of a better place to be.
May God Bless the Olsen family. I have had many wonderful talks with Richard in his mancave on Pelican Lake.
A beautiful man who simply loved life! His wonderful wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had the BEST smirk/smile every single time I saw him! Hugs and prayers sent to all of his family and friends. Rest In Peace Richard
Our thoughts and prayers to Richard and the Olsen Family. Lori and I were neighbors of Richard and Judy on Pelican Lake and spent a number of get togethers with the Olsens. Richard was always the center of anything that needed to be done. I have spent my life modeling my garages after Richard Olsen, but always came up short as I didn’t have enough stuff!
Bless the life and the memories of REO!