Warren Olson

Warren H. Olson, 71, passed away June 13, 2023, at Sanford Health Hospital in Bismarck, ND. His wife, children, and best friend were at his side.

Warren was born May 26, 1952, to Arland and Elsie (Carter) Olson in Lisbon, ND.

“Warren was a true farm-boy at heart. He was proud of where he came from and had he gotten it his way he probably would have farmed forever. His dream was cut short when he was involved in a motorcycle accident at a young age that led him down a long road of physical complications. He didn’t let that stop him from being active and working hard though. He was a real handyman that could fix anything!

He married Shirley Lang in 1973 in Fargo, ND at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Together they had two children. Ashley and Lee. He moved his family to Hawley, MN in 1990 where they bought a plot of land. No grass, no trees, no home. He turned that property into a beautiful place where, with his own two hands, he built the home his children were raised in.

He worked for over 30 years at US West where he was a telephone operator. He was often referred to as a “walking phone book”. In his free time, you could find him wood working, organizing the tools in his shop or playing pool. He was known as a “pool shark” and was one of the greatest. From teaching lessons to winning tournaments he could beat anyone at a good game of pool.

Warren was a man of few words and yet could tell you the longest, most detailed stories. He was a kind man that could make friends with a stranger. He was always willing to help out anyone with a house project, build a deck or finish a roof. He also loved animals. His dogs especially. They were his best friends and always by his side. His grandkids will miss his stories, the trinkets he’d make them for toys and his scooter rides.”

Warren is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Ashley (Adam) Martodam, Lee Olson; siblings, Debbie (Rod) Garland, Heidi (Alan) Krauter, Holly (Dale) Rosenkranz; sister-in-law, Becky Olson; grandchildren, Kendal, Preston, Kaitlyn, Jaylon, Sawyer, Levyn; and many nieces and nephews.

Warren was preceded in death by parents, Arland and Elsie; brother, Scott Olson; and nephew, Jacob Olson.