I. Arlene Olson

I. Arlene Olson, 89, Grand Forks, ND, died July 12, 2020, while residing in Hearthstone at Valley Senior Living on 42^nd.

Arlene was born April 30, 1931 in Mayville, ND, the daughter of Peder and Esther (Thorpe) Tunseth.  Arlene grew up in Mayville where she graduated from high school before enrolling in Mayville State Teacher’s College in 1949.  Arlene received her standard certificate in 1951 and began a long career as an elementary teacher.  She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Art.  Arlene met her husband Donald Olson while she was in her first teaching assignment with Northwood Public Schools.  They were married April 19, 1954 and spent 62 years together until his death in 2016.

Arlene’s teaching career continued with stops at Norway #2 and Lindaas Consolidated rural schools near Mayville, Mayville Public School, Stephen, MN Public School and finally began teaching in Grand Forks Public Schools in 1965 where she taught at Lewis and Clark and Lincoln Elementary Schools.  She retired from teaching in 1990.

Arlene was a passionate supporter of Mayville State University where she served a number of years on the Alumni Board, including a stint as the President of the Alumni board.  She was the recipient of the Mayville State University Alumni Achievement Award in 1983. 

Arlene was always quick with a joke or a witty comeback and was a legendary Bingo player.  She loved to brag about her many nephews and nieces and her former students.  Arlene and Don were long time faithful members of United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. 

Arlene is survived by her sisters; Esther Slaughter (Mayville); Clara Evanson (Portland); Kathryn Jenkins (Burbank, CA); sister in law Caroline Tunseth (Mayville) and brother in law Robert Olson (Northwood).  She is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Don; her parents; her siblings: Olive Grindeland, Paul Tunseth, Lester Tunseth, Orville Tunseth, Milton Tunseth, Jane Demarais and Linda Schuck.

A graveside service will be held July 20, 2020 at 11:00 am at Mayville Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, Mayville State University Foundation or Valley Senior Living where Arlene received such compassionate care during her final years.

To view a video of the graveside service, please use this link: https://youtu.be/XD15_lMshJQ