Lila Olson

lila olson
Lila May (Picha) Olson, 86, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 21, 2017 while residing at Tioga Medical Center’s Long Term Care. Lila was born December 15, 1930 at St. John’s hospital in Fargo, ND, the daughter of Clifford & Elsie (Zoost) Picha. She was raised in Fargo, attending St. Anthony’s and St. Mary’s schools.  She moved to Warren, ND after her mother Elsie passed away in 1942 and then to Abilene, TX where her father was stationed at Fort Berkley with the US Army.  After her father was wounded in the war, they moved back to Fargo where she worked at Mae Arthurs on Broadway selling hats and Stevensons ready to wear.  She graduated from high school in 1948. While working at Mae Arthurs, she was introduced, by his grandparents, to a young man who was on leave from the Navy. His name was Clinton Olson. She was united in marriage to Clint on October 23, 1948. The couple made their home in Fargo, moving to Moorhead shortly after the birth of their first child Lynn Ray in 1949.  Clint and Lila were blessed with a daughter Kathryn Marie in 1956.  The family moved to Fairmont, ND to run the family business, Olson Produce, raising chickens.  While in Fairmont, Lila worked at the bowling alley and lunch room, while also helping with the hatchery.  During that time, they welcomed their second son James Arthur in 1966, to the family.  After Lynn entered the service, the family moved briefly to Bismarck for job opportunities and then returned to Fargo where they lived out the remainder of their married life.  While living back in Fargo Lila worked at Jerry’s market and the Seneca Inn.  After Clint (2003) and her step-mother Annie Kathleen (2004) passed away, Lila moved to Tioga, ND in August of 2005. As a young family, Lila and Clint and the children enjoyed vacationing in Montana and Washington state. They traveled to visit their extended family and spent the summer days fishing, boating and hiking.  Making lasting memories together.  In retirement; they spent their days enjoying time with each other or entertaining their grand-children, making lifetime memories for all.  Lila spent her life taking care of others, giving her time selflessly to taking care of those she loved. Lila was an only child, but her cousin Shirley was as close to her as a sister. They were the best of friends and remained that way her entire life.  They were each other’s biggest supporters and were always available to help each other when needed.  They shared a mutual love and importance of God and family.  They shared tears and much more laughter.  Lila was a loving wife, always taking great care of her marriage and the love she held for Clint.  Anyone around Clint and Lila for any amount of time could see what an amazing love they had for each other.  Setting a great example in their 55 years of marriage.  Lila’s children, grand-children and great grand-children were her joys; always spending time to make sure all knew how special and important they were to her.  Also, making sure they were never hungry! Lila was a devout Catholic; she regularly attended Holy Spirit Catholic Church where she had served as a Sunday school teacher. When she made the move to Tioga, the priest from St. Thomas Catholic Church visited her place of residence, so she could continue to receive God’s word.  God and Religion were an extremely important and daily part of her life.  She lived her life the way she felt God intended her to.  She was kind to all who met her, never judging, and always loving and patient. Lila is survived by her sons, Lynn Olson, Tioga, ND and Jim Olson, Hawley, MN. Grand-children: Kristina (Tony) Navarrete, Issaquah, WA, Laura (James) McGillis, Tioga, ND, Jessica (Chad) Uran, Dickinson, ND, Max Wilhelmi, Fargo, ND, Briana Wilhelmi, Denver, CO, Samantha (Michael) Mulligan, Grand Forks, ND. Great grand-children, Jacob & Laila (Laura), Colton (Jessica), Payton, Shaynia, Aizik & Jaycen (Max), Patrick & Luke (Samantha). Cousin, Shirley Carlson, Rogers, MN.     FUNERAL SERVICES: 2:00pm on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo VISITATION: will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm with a PRAYER SERVICE at 7:00pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Thursday, January 26, 2017

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  1. Lila was such a wonderful lady. Such a kind and beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  2. Jimmy,Max Sam, Bree and Family I am so sorry for your loss.Lila was a loving and kind woman she treated Jamie like another Grandchild.

  3. Lynn, Jim and family, When I think of Lila. the words giving, caring, loving, kind with the biggest heart ever and funny come to mind. Lila had the best sense of humor and there was always lots of laughter! She could always put a smile on your face and had so much compassion for others…she was truly one of a kind and will be missed. She was a care giver to all…the way she cared for others was rare and a gift from God. She was a blessing to your family. My hope and prayer for you all is that you will hold all of the good loving and funny memories close to your heart and that they will comfort you. It’s not easy losing the ones we love, but I know she’s in Heaven and she’s loving every minute of it…smiling and filled with Joy! May God bless you all with the peace that passes all understanding and may He consume you with his love!

  4. My deepest sympathy to your family for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4


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