Lloyd Olson

Lloyd Olson, 88, Grand Forks, was called home by the Lord on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Luther Memorial Home, Mayville, North Dakota. Lloyd Olson was born in Grand Forks to Iver Lars Olson and Alice (Lieberg) Olson on January 30, 1926. He attended school in Rye Township of Grand Forks County. The family moved into their home on Lewis Blvd. in Grand Forks and Lloyd then attended Central High School. Lloyd served in the US Navy during WWII as an aircraft mechanic and was stationed in Maui, Hawaii. They worked on the aircraft at night so they could fly during the day. He returned to Grand Forks following his honorable discharge and attended the University of North Dakota. Lloyd became an electrician, joining IBEW Local Union 1426 in 1955. He worked for various contractors and projects in the Midwest, such as the Iron Range of Minnesota, the missiles systems, and the power plants in North Dakota. Lloyd also had his own business for several years. As a Master Electrician, one of his most fulfilling experiences was when he taught at Red River High School. His career had variety and he loved mentoring. He retired in 1990. After the flood of 1997, Lloyd worked as an electrical inspector for the city of Grand Forks. Lloyd Olson and Shirley Fish were united in marriage on November 18, 1951 at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Lloyd cherished the special relationships he had with his family. Lloyd enjoyed golfing and woodcarving and was a member of the Busy Beavers Woodcarving Club. Throughout his life, he was always ready to lend a hand and serve when needed. He was an active member of his local IBEW and the AFL-CIO. He served as an officer of the Northern Valley Union Retirees which he helped organize in 1991. He was also a member of the Golden K. Kiwanis Club and had served as a longtime board member of the Salvation Army. Lloyd had been active in the United Lutheran Church, and volunteered at the Camp Shalom, Maple Lake, Minnesota, the GF Mission, the Habitat for Humanity, local Veteran organizations, Christmas Bell Ringing and wherever his skills, humor, a smile and encouraging words were needed. Lloyd is survived by his wife, Shirley, Grand Forks; daughter, Linda Olson, Grand Forks; sisters in law, Mollie Olson, Grand Forks and Elsie Olson, Phoenix, AZ several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Allen Olson; brothers, Lorendo, Odien, Ivan, Henning, and Donald, and sisters, Anna Marie Schultz Langness and Phyllis Vingelen. Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014 in United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service on Friday, March 7, 2014 at the Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, and for the hour prior to the service in the church. Interment will be in Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks. Lunch will follow at the United Lutheran Church. Due to Lent, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials could be made to Red River Valley Hospice, United Lutheran Church, the Luther Memorial Homes (Mayville), Livestrong (Grand Forks chapter), the American Heart Association, Veteran's Organizations, or the organization of your choice.