Delores Olson

Delores Mary Novotny Olson, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 6:56 p.m. in Bismarck, North Dakota, surrounded by the love of her family.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, May 19, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 1919 N 2nd St, Bismarck. To view the service livestream, click this link Corpus Christi - YouTube

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 18, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Delores was born in Lidgerwood, North Dakota, on December 29, 1935, and from her earliest days, her life was marked by quiet strength, deep faith, and a heart full of love. She married Gordon Kenneth Olson on August 30, 1958, in her hometown of Lidgerwood, and together they built a beautiful life. In 1961, they moved into the home they built in Bismarck—a place filled with warmth, laughter, and memories that spanned generations. She remained in that home for the rest of her life.

Delores loved being a wife and mother more than anything in the world. She poured her whole heart into raising her five children and creating a home filled with care and comfort. She and Gordon were devoted members of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, faithfully attending early Mass and claiming the front row pew as their own each week.

Her days were often spent tending to her beloved gardens. Being outside among the blooms was her joy—her way of soaking in the beauty of God’s creation. It was her happy place, where she felt peace and purpose. She loved spending time researching their family heritages and creating numerous albums.

Family life was full of simple pleasures and shared adventures. Summers meant weekends at the lake, camping and fishing, and autumns brought family hunting trips. These traditions created a lifetime of memories and laughter.

After Gordon’s passing, and with her children grown, Delores discovered a love of world travel. Some of her favorite journeys included a pilgrimage to Rome, a cruise to Alaska with four of her children, and visits to Hawaii. Later, she traveled with Steve to various countries throughout Europe—experiencing the world with the same wonder and grace she brought to every part of her life.

She is survived by her loving children, Denise (Blaine) Clausnitzer of Bismarck, ND, Steve Olson of Fort Collins, CO, Doreen (Mike) Kludt of Watertown, SD, Mike (Susan) Olson of Zap, ND, Michelle (Jeff) Taylor of Lake St. Louis, MO.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her endless pride and joy, Lauren (Calvin) Lopez, Tom Clausnitzer, Lee (Jennifer) Kludt, Alex Kludt, Mikayla Kludt and Logan (Matt) Lawrence, Katie Taylor, Maddie Taylor, Scott Solum, and Clay Olson.

Great-grandchildren, Easton, Brody, and Hudson Kludt, and Baby Lawrence, arriving in August of 2025.

Her quiet strength, loving heart, and deep faith shaped the lives of those around her. She was the heart of her family—always ready with a kind word, a warm meal and daily fresh baked goodies. Delores lived a full, beautiful life, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in every bloom she planted, every life she touched, and every story her family tells.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, honoring Delores’s generous and faith-filled spirit.

She will be deeply missed—and forever loved.