Duane Olson

Duane Olson, 82, of Langdon, ND, passed away September 26, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Duane was born in Langdon, ND, to Orfield and Bertha (Gandy) Olson. He grew up and attended school in Langdon, graduating in 1962. After graduation, he entered the US Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He took his training in MOP (Maintenance Operations Flight), and as luck would have it, he and twelve others came right back to the Grand Forks base when they finished their MPS (Military Police Security) training. Duane spent the remaining three years of his service in Grand Forks. He was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM). After being discharged in October of 1966, he attended UND for about two years. His uncle quit farming, so Duane returned to the family farm to help out. He farmed for many years while also being co-owner of the Stables restaurant with his brother, James. After retiring from farming and leaving the restaurant business, Duane worked seasonally for Simplot. Duane was united in marriage to Ruthann Lorenz Nickerson on November 20, 1976, at the United Lutheran Church in Langdon. They made their home in Langdon and raised their five children.

Duane had many hobbies, including fishing, cooking, and especially enjoyed hunting. He spent countless days and nights at the hunting shack north of Langdon. He was known for making the big breakfasts and some evening meals at the hunting shack – and also sneaking in a short nap, according to the grandkids. He played cards, enjoyed his fellow hunters’ company, and told and listened to story after story out at the cabin. Above all, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed having them come to visit and share their lives with him.

Surviving Duane are his wife, Ruthann, of Langdon, ND; Children: Tracy (Cyndi) Olson, Tammy (Wade) Horgan, Troy (Tammy) Olson, Wendell (Wendy) Nickerson, Jeff Olson; grandchildren: AshleyMae (Shawn) Sparling, Caley Duane Olson, Cody (Catherine) LaCroix, Tyler James LaCroix, Jessica Mae Olson, Joshua Tracy Olson (Destiny Love Nava), Danyelle Leeann Olson, Rhena Horgan, Nickey Jo Horgan, Danielle (Bryce) Mattioda, Hunter Horgan, Kane Horgan, Amy (Erik) Balsdon, Aaron Olson, Amber Olson, Dalton Christianson, Austin (Sam) Christianson, Haylee (Tanner) Werven, Larissa Olson, Alayna (Treyson) Morrow; 24 great-grandchildren; brother James (Bonnie) Olson, and sister-in-law Sharon Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, sister Joan, grandson Ryan Torkelson, great-grandson Henry George, and nephew Jacob.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at United Lutheran Church in Langdon, ND, with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. Burial of ashes will be at Big Pembina Cemetery, rural Langdon.