The clouds parted and the heaven’s rumbled as the ’74 Caprice made it’s final journey through the pearly gates carrying Ron Olson into the comfort of God’s arms.
Ronald James Olson, 72, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at Essentia Health in Fargo.
A celebration of life service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Valley City at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2018. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Thursday, November 29, 2018 and an hour before services. A prayer service will be held Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the church.
Ronald James Olson was born on September 11, 1946 to Carl and Esther (Anderson) Olson in Valley City. He grew up on the family farm south of town, attended Brown schoolhouse and later graduated from City High.
He married Kitty Heydweiller-Cheser in Loveland, CO, in 1967 and they raised two children Leonard and Tina on a farm south of town, just down the road from the family farm.
Ron was born a salesman and began his sales career working for VC Grocery Wholesale, AAA in the mid 1960’s then decided to switch gears and return to his roots of farming. During his time farming Ron was a seed dealer for Pioneer and later Interstate Seed companies. He retired from farming in 1986 and became the district sales manager for Interstate Seed, relocating his family to Brookings, SD.
Ron was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1987. When the disease began to affect his health, he and Kitty chose to move back home to Valley City in 1993 and Ron began a new journey as a sales agent with Farmers Union Insurance. He later retired in 1999.
Ron battled the MS symptoms with a positive attitude and a strong stubborn stature. He will be forever remembered for his key note phrases when asked about his health, “I’m on the right side of the grass” or “how are you feeling Ron?” His reply, “with my fingers!” All made in the attempt to distract worry from inquiring family and friends. Ron fought his MS with a winning attitude and refused to let it get in the way of what he wanted to do. Such a common task of mowing the neighbors grass became an accomplishment he truly enjoyed and forever found a sense of joy in.
Ron was a kind, considerate man that would go out of his way for a stranger. He loved spending time with his family, friends. In later years the daily “coffee time” with friends and the staff from Petro was the highlight of his day. Ron loved people and always said, “who is more fun than people!”
Ron held a very special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Always cherishing the time he spent with them and often offering advice, even when they didn’t ask, with the forever fitting, “your like me and we are doers not quitters” or “I’m not going to tell you what to do but if I were you…” phrases.
Ron is survived by his sons, Leonard (Denice) Olson, Kearney, MO, Christopher (Teresa) Carney, Long Beach, CA, and his daughter Tina (Lee) Olson-Gronneberg, Valley City, ND. Grandchildren: Cassie (Ethan) Duggen, Sioux Falls, SD, Courtney (Kameron) Dingus, Terrance (Jessica) Kainz and Daniel Olson, all of Kearney, MO, Emilee Olson-Gronneberg, Valley City, ND, Marina Carney, Long Beach, CA. Great-Grandchildren: Liam Duggen, Karleigh, Brayden, Bryleigh, Kolten Dingus. Siblings: Charles (Carol) Olson, Bonnie Olson and Mavis Stearns, all of Valley City. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and tons of wonderful friends who were always considered “just like family” to him.
He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Carl and Esther Olson and beloved brothers Dennis Olson and Jarl Massjo.
The Lerud-Mathias Funeral Home of Valley City is assisting Ron’s family with arrangements. An online guestbook is available at lerudschuldt.com