Carol J. Olson

Carol J. (Tungland) Olson, 93 a life-long resident of the Devils Lake area, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. 

Carol Joyce, daughter of Jonas and Anna (Bryn) Tungland was born on August 31, 1924 in Grand Harbor Township, rural Devils Lake. She received her education at a country school through 3^rd grade, then when the family moved into Devils Lake she attend Washington Elementary School.  She graduated from Devils Lake High School in 1943.  After high school she worked for a time for Drs. Sihler and Toomey. 

In the fall of 1943, Carol felt a need to help with the war effort and moved to Pasadena, California and worked as a “Rosey” the riveter on the tail section of the P-38 Lightning Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed-Martin. She returned to North Dakota and worked for 6 years at 1^st National Bank. 

Carol was united in marriage to Maurice Olson on June 5, 1949. They established their home on the Olson farm, southeast of Devils Lake where they lived, worked and raised their family.  Carol served as the South Minnewaukan Township Assessor and School Clerk for many years.  Maurice died on February 6, 1986. Carol continued to live on the farm until 1991, when she moved into Devils Lake and lived in her own home until her death.

Always a devoted wife and mother, Carol also was a dedicated employee of Ramsey National Bank for 24 years, retiring as Vice President of Operations.

Throughout Carol’s life, she enjoyed volunteering and serving her church and community. Carol was named the Unsung Hero in February of 2011, was an active member of RSVP and spent many hours assisting area museums, 4-H groups and Girl Scout Troops. As a member of Friends of Sullys Hill, she volunteered many hours and was the Volunteer of the Year in 2011.  She served as manager of the Gift Shop when it was added to the Visitor Center.  She was named the 2009 Volunteer of the Year by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. She was active in many other community organizations including Prairie View Homemakers, Pioneer Daughters, Sons of Norway and Rebekahs.  Carol also was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where she served as the Treasurer for many years, active in the UMW and all the many activities of the church. 

Carol’s interests and talents were many, including painting and pencil drawings, other crafts, gardening and her specialty were roses.

Carol felt her life was so blessed to be able to serve her church, her community and to be a part of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

Carol is survived by her loving family. Her sons, Jay and Vangie Olson, Devils Lake and Allen and Karen Olson, Harvey, ND and daughter Paula Ramsey and Richard Brueckner also Devils Lake; six grandchildren Dr. Steve (Ann) Olson, Scott (Alicia) Olson; Kathryn (Andy) Munion, Jennifer (Brandon) Lemer; Meridith and Brandon Ramsey; great grandchildren Erik, Elizabeth, Adam, Hailey, Jillian and Tate; sister Janice Tungland, Devils Lake; sister-in-law Dorothy Tungland, Monticello, MN and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Maurice and brother James Tungland.

Funeral Services for Carol will be held on Thursday, January 25. 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Lori Borschat, officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 24th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and Time of Sharing at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.