Charles "Charlie" Olson

Charlie Olson, 73, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep at his hunting cabin on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Charles Edwin Olson was born on February 5, 1951, to Clarence and Clara (Timm) Olson. He grew up and attended school in Thief River Falls, MN, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1969. He enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam from December 1969 to January 1971. 

Upon returning home, he furthered his education in the architectural drafting department at the AVTI in Thief River Falls. It was there that he met his future wife, Pam Bellerud. After graduation they moved to Grand Forks, ND. They married in 1975, just shy of 50 years ago. He worked for Concrete, Incorporated in the Precast Department, constructing walls and vaults. He moved into the Sales Department, selling burial vaults to area funeral homes. Charlie took a job at Strata Corporation working with the rail crew. Over his years at Concrete, Inc. and Strata, he formed many friendships that he treasured. 

He started his own construction company, Big ‘C’ Construction, in 1997. Big “C” Construction provided services that included various size remodeling jobs and new home construction. He was sought after by many people, which kept him very busy until he retired in 2014.

Charlie was a very loving husband to his wife, Pam, and the very best father to their children Christopher Olson of Los Angeles, CA, Callie Wagner of Grand Forks, ND and Brandon Olson of East Grand Forks, MN. He was blessed with one granddaughter of whom he is very proud, Rilyn Wagner, who is now attending college in Arizona.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. The hunting cabin that he and his brother John built in the woods near Grygla, MN was his pride and joy. He truly enjoyed his time there with all his hunting buddies ‘working the fields’ and ‘taking care of the deer’. He enjoyed sharing and listening to all the stories around the numerous big campfires! Most places he went, he always brought his dog with him. His dogs brought him a lot of joy in his life.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Pam; his children, Chris, Callie and Brandon; and his granddaughter, Rilyn. Also, his brothers, John and Bill (Julie) Olson; sisters, Clarice Olson and Helen (Rory) Anderson; sister-in-law, Sheila Olson; brothers-in-law, Bob Hjeldness and Paul (Vickie) Bellerud and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Clara; parents-in-law, Alfred and Edna Bellerud; his brother, Bob; sisters Linda Olson and Marlene Hjeldness; sister-in-law, Delores Olson; a nephew, Patrick Olson and several aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 11, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home.
Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Church.
Burial will be held in the Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.