Donald M. Olson

Donald M. Olson, 95, Bismarck, passed away April 30, 2025 at St. Alexius hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 8, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. 

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.

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

Don was born February 26, 1930, the twin son of Henry and Nellie (Benz) Olson on the farm in Driscoll, ND, where he attended the Grace Lutheran Church and graduated from Driscoll High School. He enlisted in the Navy in September of 1948 until August of 1952. Don then returned home and started working at the State Bank of Burleigh County in Sterling.

In 1968, Don transferred with his family to Steele, ND, where he bought into the Bank of Steele. When Don retired in the 1980’s he moved to Montana and later managed a farm operation. In 2015, he and Shirley moved back to North Dakota to care for his father-in-law. He loved farming, being outdoors, enjoying nature, fishing and boating.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Delores; brothers, Wayne, Leonard and Doug (twin); niece, Darcy Olson; and step-granddaughter, Madison Olson.

Don is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley; sister, Diane (John) Fried; eight children, Chad (Deb), Renee Loh, Sherry, Sandra Kunz, Carla (Randy) Zeller, Todd, Kevin (Melissa) and Taun Olson; two step-children, Roz (Travis) Olson and Shelly (Larry) Magstadt; twelve grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law, Gloria (Dean) Steichen, MaryLou Retzer, Betty Lang, and Hilda Giese.

We want to thank Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center for their care of Don.