Randy R. Olson, 72, Bismarck, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, after a 14-month battle with cancer.

A funeral will be held at 1:00 on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00-7:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service with a prayer service starting at 7:00 PM.

Burial will take place at the Menoken Cemetery in the spring of 2026.

Randy was born on May 25, 1953, to Billy G. and Kathryn “Kay” (Barth) Olson in Hettinger. He was raised in Adams County and attended St. Mary’s in New England, graduating in 1971. Randy was an accomplished athlete, partaking in both football and wrestling, contributing to his team's success.

Receiving an athletic scholarship, Randy attended Bismarck Junior College, becoming a founding member of the college’s inaugural football program and wrestling and joined the rodeo team, where he excelled as a bareback rider. It was during his time in the rodeo club that he met Lucinda "Cindy" Weekes. They married on June 10, 1972, in McIntosh, South Dakota, celebrating their union with a joyful reception at the American Legion.

Throughout their marriage, Randy and Cindy exemplified resilience and dedication, as they moved several times, eventually settled in various locations across the region. They began their journey in Adams County, where they ran the Olson Ranch, raising Hereford cattle. The couple welcomed two sons into their family: Buck in 1975 and Casey in 1978 while living in McIntosh, SD. Eventually moved to Miles City, Montana, where the boys attended school and Randy owned a feedlot, worked at the livestock barn, and raised cattle and horses. During this time, he ran a feedlot and enjoyed raising colts, which became a family event. Randy had a work ethic like no other. He knew the value of everything and everyone. He didn’t have very many hobbies beyond working, but he was known for wheeling and dealing, plus teasing anyone who would let him.

He had a heart that was meant to help people, and over the years mentored many young men who he saw as his own. While living in Miles City, Randy and Lucinda welcomed Jimmy Van Ham into their family, and Jimmy lived with them for many years. Bill Hoverson, Mike Schwab, and Kyle Marino were also just like sons to Randy and Cindy. Randy said they could stay as long as they worked and went to school. Throughout the years, these kids became an extension of their family.

After Miles City, Randy lived a short while in Belle Fourche, SD to be closer to his mom. He continued working and raising horses. Making his next move to the Bitter Root Mountains in Idaho, where RJ Hoffman became a share partner with Randy and their relationship flourished so much that RJ actually ended up moving to be near Randy for a while. After a difficult decision they moved to Lacrosse, WA to be closer to Cindy’s family. Randy enjoyed working with nephew, Buster Seth Jr. Weekes on the Weekes Ranch.

Regardless of where home was over the years, Randy and Cindy maintained caring for their cattle and horses. While tending to livestock and land, the friends that they met along the way often told them they prayed for people like them to come along. Randy’s unwavering work ethic and determination characterized his life, as he always took on various jobs.

Randy and Cindy settled in various other places, including Belle Fourche, S.D., Idaho, and Washington State, some moves were to be closer to their families, some for opportunity and adventure. In 2020, the couple returned to North Dakota amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing along 5 horses. They were grateful to receive an invitation from the Flath family to settle on their land, which was six miles from Buck and his family, which gave them an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with their granddaughters, Tori and Katie.

Randy was shopping for his own tractor so he could Hay with Buck, he met Levi and Warren Steinmetz, who also both became just like family. Once Randy “retired” he participated in custom haying with his son, Buck, and worked at Carson Salvage.

Randy is survived by his wife, Lucinda “Cindy”; son, Buck (Theresa) Olson, Bismarck; son, Casey (Jennifer) Olson, Montgomery, Texas; grandchildren, Tori and Katie Olson, Emily, Kari and Jeffrey Freeman; great-grandchild, Chalmus Freeman; sister, Peggy Dickerson; nephew, Michael Dickerson; niece, Kelly Hughes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his “son,” Jimmy Van Ham.