Elwood “Woody” Stanley Olson passed away on 1/29/21 from COVID in Missoula MT. Woody was born on 11/07/1928 in Rosseau, MN and grew up in Drayton, North Dakota. His parents were Leif Arthur and Hilda Olson. He was blessed with two brothers Wayne and Truman Olson who both have passed away. Wayne’s wife Ruth Olson lives in Detroit Lakes and a good cousin Bev Bakke (Carlson) lives in Fargo. His wife Fern has a sister Norma Raney in Grand Forks and Fern’s sister Lovey Stenvold has passed away.
The love of his life, Fernie Erickson (Norman and Georgia Erickson’s daughter), proclaimed to her parents when she was in first grade that she was going to marry Woody Olson and he ultimately fulfilled her proclamation by proposing at the city dump in Drayton. Elwood and Fern were married on August 8, 1954 and have celebrated 66 Christmas Holidays together. Elwood and Fern had 4 boys including “The twins,” Barry and Gregg, and sons Jay and David.
Dad was proud of his service in the army and was sent to Korea, which provided his sons with many bedtime stories.
Elwood attended the University of North Dakota and received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration which led to a 55-year career in banking. He moved to Missoula MT in 1962. Elwood retired as Vice President of Western Montana Bank (US Bank) at the age of 55 but he immediately went back to work for another 25 years at Bitterroot Valley Bank (TrailWest Bank) that he called the “golden nugget” of his career and where the bank owner Man and the bank president Rich considered him their “moral compass” and “anchor.” During his second career, he also went to work for his son, Jay Olson, at Express Employment Professionals that continued after his retirement from the bank.
Elwood and Fern started the “Olson Annual Nordic Fest” where the extended family celebrated many rich traditions at Double Arrow Ranch in Seeley Lake for the last 30
His favorite sayings were: “You bless me with your presence,” and “you look like a million bucks!”
What he was known for: His Humor.
Elwood is survived by his wife Fern Olson; his sons Barry Olson (wife Jill), Gregg Olson (wife Debbie), Jay, and David (wife Jeannine) and his many grandkids: Kjel, Heidi, Josilyn, Bryan, Carrie, Halden, Allie, Josh, Bri, his great grandchildren; Elliana, Nora and Declan. Woody will be greeted by his grandsons Trevor and Tanner who are anxiously waiting for him in Heaven.
The family is having a private ceremony. Memorials can be sent to Montana Servant Leadership, 501 University Avenue, Missoula MT 59801.