Bertha Olson

Bertha Olson, 95, of Langdon, ND, passed away Monday, July 17, 2017 at Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon.

Bertha Ione Gandy was born September 14, 1921 in Bismarck, ND to Wesley and Hannah (Nodland) Gandy. Bertha’s mom died when Bertha was 7 years of age. Her father, Wesley, who was young and times were difficult, was not able to take care of Bertha and her two brothers. He placed the three children in the Fargo Children’s Home. It was his wish that the children never be adopted so they were placed in foster homes and were separated, only to reconnect later in life. Bertha never saw her father again. At age 15, Bertha was hired as a helper in the Peter and Johanna Olson home in Langdon. She then worked for the Ernie Young family and started dating Orfield Olson. She and Orfield were married on May 23, 1941 in Fargo, ND. They farmed and raised their family at the Olson home farm in West Hope Township. In the late 1970s, Bertha and Orfield moved in to Langdon. Orfield passed away in 1999, but Bertha continued to live on her own in Langdon until becoming a resident at Osnabrock Living Center and, just recently, Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon.

Bertha loved to bake and garden. She enjoyed visiting with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of Big Pembina Church and their ladies aid and United Lutheran Church in Langdon.

Bertha is survived by her children: Duane (Ruthann) of Langdon and James (Bonnie) of Eden Prairie, MN; daughter-in-law Sharon of Grand Forks, ND; ten grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Joan, son Robert, grandson Jacob, sister Minnie, and brothers Wesley & Walter.

Services for Bertha will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2017 at United Lutheran Church in Langdon. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 20, 2017 from 5-7:00 p.m. at United Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Big Pembina Cemetery, rural Langdon.

Visitation will take place from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at United Lutheran Church in Langdon. Burial will be at Big Pembina Cemetery.