Kerry M. Olson

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Kerry Martin Olson, 68, Bismarck, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 2 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Family will greet visitors beginning at 10 a.m.

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

Kerry was born June 1, 1953, in Devil’s Lake to Duane and Janet (Novacek) Olson. He graduated from Devil’s Lake High School in 1971. After high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He went on to attend Lake Region Community College, the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University where he claimed to have obtained a minor in pinochle and actually earned his master’s degree in community and regional planning, which he put to good use working for the State of North Dakota for 35 years.

Kerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, motorcycles and playing cards. He loved playing softball and volleyball and was proud that he was able to play volleyball until he was 65. He was passionate about music and his family. He always had time to listen and was frequently the voice of reason and a source of wisdom. His grandchildren made his eyes light up and you could often find him in the stands beaming with pride. You could also find him sitting on the porch, taking in the beautiful Missouri River, or learning and sharing at his retirement job at the Personal Defense Center.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; mother, Janet Olson; sisters, Pam Jerome (Pete), Becky Larson (Brad), and Darcy Helten (Merlin); brother, Greg Olson (Joyce); numerous nieces and nephews; two children, Miranda Stanley (John) and Derek Olson (Jamie); bonus daughter, Toby Rae (Nick); and nine grandchildren, Aisha, Gitzie, Aiden, Peter, Paige, Nolan, Jocelyn, Vivian, and Camille, as well as all of his beloved pets.

He was preceded in death by his father, Duane.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation made in Kerry’s name to Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue or to a charity of your choosing.