Archie Olerud
August 21, 1921 ~ June 18, 2012
Archie M. Olerud, 90, Fargo formerly Kindred, N.D., passed away Monday, June 18, 2012 at Sanford Health, Fargo.
Archie was born August 21, 1921 near Kindred, N.D., to Christian and Caroline (Egge) Olerud. Archie attended Lakeside and Consolidated Schools before going to work on the family and neighboring farms. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and served his country in World War II as a tank driver with the 763rd Tank Battalion, serving on the Pacific Front at Okinawa and Leyte Gulf.
After being discharged in 1945, Archie returned to the family farm near Kindred. He married Grace Bakko on July 10, 1948, at Walcott Lutheran Church. To this union, two children were born, Steven and Susan. He was a life-long member of Norman Lutheran Church.
Archie farmed for 41 years, retiring in 1986. In their spare time, Archie and Grace enjoyed going to dances, visiting and playing cards with family and friends, and traveling. They traveled across the country in their camper visiting relatives and exploring sights in 48 states. They especially enjoyed attending reunions of the 763rd Tank Battalion. Archie was a member of the Eagles, Sons of Norway, American Legion and VFW.
Archie was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; parents, Christian and Caroline, four brothers: Chester, Gayler, Carl and Edwin; three sisters: Hazel, Lorraine and Leona.
Surviving him are his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Cheri Olerud of Maple Grove, MN, daughter and son-in-law Susan and Dean Boreen of Fargo, and grandchildren: Shelly Gunderson, Christian, Carlon and Ruby Olerud, sister, Ethel Spelhaug, Wahpeton, sisters-in-law, Henriette Nelson, Fargo, Cordy Farsdale, Walcott, Bernice Nipstad, San Juan Capistrano, CA, Ruth Bakko, Fargo; and special friend Dorothy Kellerman.
Archie’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Sanford and Eventide/The Fairmont for their continued care during Archie’s stay.
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Underwood MN
Steve and Susan,
Thank you for the honor of being a pallbearer at your Dad’s Celebration of Life yesterday. As I told you at the cemetery, you have had two wonderful parents – you know that – but it worthy of being said again. Many of their attributes have been carried down to you and to your children.
It is always hard to say goodbye to someone so close to you. But, through the grace of God, he will take care of you and your families. Remember the Psalm read at the funeral – Psalm 121.
God will give you the help and strength, if you look to Him.
God Bless you and your families.
Roger and Mary Farsdale
Maple Grove MN
Dear Steve, Cheri and family,
Tom and I were saddened to hear of your father’s passing. We know you were very close to your dad and your whole family. We are sending our sympathies and support as friends at this time of change and bereavement. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Your neighbors and friends,
Tom and Vicki Mattiuz
Bloomington Minnesota
Steve and Cheri,
Our condolences to both of you. May the grace of God keep you and comfort you. Your dad is truly in a better and more peaceful place even though his departure from your lives is painful. Celebrate his life and send him off with the love that he deserves. He continues in a new fruitful life!
Shirley & Winston Dolland
Golden Valley MN
Our sympathy to Archie’s family for their loss. May God be their comfort.
Fergus Falls MN
Steve, Susan and families-
My sympathies on the passing of Archie. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Hopefully you are comforted that he and your Mom are reunited in heaven.
I will always remember his quick smile and how he liked to joke with us as kids. One of the first memories that pops into my mind when I think of Archie is how my brother and I were convinced that he was Orville Redenbacher.
Thinking of you,
Paul, Sarah, Brady, Chase and Abbi Jensen
Chandler AZ
My sincere condolences to Steve, Susan and families. Since my wife, Kathy, also passed away so recently, I have even more empathy for you and your loss.