Rodney Elvin Olson Obituary (1934 - 2012)

Rodney Elvin Olson, 78, Tioga, North Dakota, passed away Friday, July 20, 2012, at Medcenter One, Bismarck. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan with an additional memorial service held at 2:00 PM, Friday, July 27, 2012, at the First Lutheran Church in Tioga with Rev. Sandy Anderson officiating both. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Rodney was born February 19, 1934, on their farm near Aurelia, North Dakota, to Leonard and Inez (Johnson) Olson. He was raised and attended a country grade school near Donnybrook, North Dakota. He graduated from Minot High School and earned a degree in cosmetology from Seattle Beauty School. He served in the US Army from 1954-1956. On January 11, 1959, he married Irene Christensen in Kenmare. He farmed, worked in the oilfield, worked as a hair dresser for 22 years, and then was Tioga\u0027s City Water Superintendent for many years until he retired.Rodney was a member of the White Earth Valley Saddle Club, Farm Festival, 4H leader, and Golf Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and loved doing wood working and carving. He is survived by his wife, Irene, Tioga; one son, Leif (Connie) Olson, Mandan; one sister Joy (Richard) Parkinson, Helena, Montana; five brothers, Leonard Olson and Rolland (Jan) Olson, all of Minot, Gerald (Ardys) Olson, Mandan, Dale (Mary) Olson, Denver, Colorado, and Delton Olson, San Jose, California; and one granddaughter, Kathryn Mae Marie Gage \u0027"Kati Mae\u0027 . Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Inez, and one brother, Walter Olson.