Duane C. Olson

Duane C. Olson died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Tuesday August, 23rd at the Good Samaritan Society in Lakota, North Dakota. He was 85 years old. Duane Clinton was born to Alfton and Luella (Johnson) Olson on May 1, 1931 on the family farm in rural Devils Lake, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Baptist Church. Duane was the eldest of 5 children, and was raised in part by his grandparents, Martin & Aletta Olson, whom instilled in him a love of history. He attended a country school until he transferred to Devils Lake Central High School, where he graduated at the age of 17. He attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton. Duane was united in marriage to Janet Novacek on November 12, 1952 at St. Peters’ Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. They began their married life on their farmstead Northeast of Devils Lake. While his passion was always farming, saying “it’s in my blood,” after two tough years on the farm, he began a career at Ottertail Power Company. While it was a short-term plan, it ended up being a fruitful career, lasting over 40 years. Despite working two jobs, no one ever questioned his dedication to his family. Upon retirement from Ottertail in 1995, he continued farming full time with his son-in-law, Brad Larson. Duane and Jan’s home was full of love and excitement. They were always known to have coffee on hand for an intense game of cards or have an open couch to nurse their sick grandchildren. Dancing was a favorite pastime; they met at a dance hall where Duane eventually proposed. He later purchased the dance hall and moved it to the family farm, where it still stands today. Duane was a lover of Dairy Queen, horseback riding, and hunting with his sons and grandsons. Duane was an intelligent, strong, and gracious man who always taught the importance of work ethic in his words and by his actions. The City of Devils Lake was very dear to Duane’s heart and he will be remembered as a servant to the community. Through his years of service, he was a member of the IBEW Union, leading his local chapter. Duane’s devotion to his faith led him to become President of the congregation at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. He was also a fervent AA sponsor and many accredit their successful recovery to him. While he was a member of many things, education was always his true passion. He was an elected member of the school board, where he served as president for many years. He always claimed his greatest achievement was that all of his children and grandchildren attended or graduated from college. Duane was always known to be a family man, and is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Janet; his son Kerry (Patricia) of Bismarck, their children Miranda (John), Derek (Jamie), and Toby; his son Gregory (Joyce) of Fargo, their children Danielle, Dustin (Alissa); his daughter Pamela (Peter) Jerome of Devils Lake, their children Amber (James) Leevers, Ashley (Russell) Vanover, and Peter (Danielle) Jerome; his daughter Becky (Brad) Larson of Devils Lake, their children Brady, Nathan, and Kristina; his daughter Darcy (Merlin) Helten of Devils Lake, their children Britt, Macie, and Brennen; 14 great-grandchildren; his brother Marlo (Margene) of Seattle, WA; his brother Glenn (Rita) of Devils Lake; his brother Earl (Jo) of Devils Lake; his sister Lola (Don) Schlieve of Devils Lake; and many nieces and nephews. Duane is preceded in death by his parents Alfton and Luella Olson, his nephew Scott Schlieve, his parents-in-law Frank and Laurena Novacek, sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Gordon “Jake” Jacobson, his brother-in-law Keith Logsdon. Serving as Casket Bearers for Duane will be his grandsons Derek Olson, Dustin Olson, Peter Jerome, Brady Larson, Nathan Larson, Britt Helten and Brennen Helten. Funeral Services for Duane will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, August 26th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the funeral service.