Duane Olson

Duane Francis Olson was born in Breckenridge, MN, on October 5, 1938, one of three children born to Lionel and Mary (Clover) Olson. He grew up and attended school in Breckenridge. After his schooling, he prided himself in his numerous job opportunities within the community and then served his country for a short time in the United States Air Force. Duane then returned to Breckenridge and met the love of his life at a local dance and was united in marriage on July 15, 1961, in Fergus Falls, MN. The couple spent the next few years living in Wahpeton and Fargo but ultimately settled their family back home in Breckenridge. Duane’s career began molding into shape while he worked at Peter J. Schwietzer Flax-straw plant in Breckenridge, then Sorenson Construction of Fargo, and then spending time on the road driving truck. His experience in many trades and skills was implemented in his most recent job as security guard at Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative where he dedicated 20 years of hard work. He always went above and beyond what was expected of him.  Duane would boast of his love for his job, mainly for the great coworkers who he spent years building friendships and memories with until he was forced to retire due to his health.

Duane loved his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He enjoyed spending time with them and particularly loved helping them piece together puzzles, so long as they were never mixed together. Duane had a love for shaking dice, watching Andy Griffith, and toiling over word search books. He was known for his big heart, reliability, and his trusting companion, Tiny. When he was kept overnight in Fargo due to a health concern, his excitement while he stayed was seeing his grandchildren and when returning home, seeing his dog, Tiny. After his most recent battle with cancer, ten hours after returning home from Fargo, God called him home.

Duane will be missed by his wife, Marilyn: one son, Allen (Linda) Olson; two daughters, Stacey Burhans (Ed Knell-adopted in love son) and Jodie Olson; 4 grandchildren, Jamie (Sheila) Johnson, Misty (Michael) Bjerken, Dustin (Julie) Olson, Christina, and Collinda Olson; 11 great-grandchildren, Madison and Harper Johnson, McKenzie, Dakota, and Brave Bjerken, Christain and Gavin Morgan Olson; and Roman, Wyatt, Marisol and Shirley Olson; one brother, Gordon (Shirley) Olson of Carley, NC;  one sister, Marie Shoemaker of Minneapolis, MN; adopted in love son, Pedro Rodriguez; one aunt, Pearl Welder of Finley, ND; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Duane was fondly considered as the designated “grandpa” of his neighborhood and will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lionel and Mary (Clover) Olson.