Elvin was born April 26th, 1931 in Williston, North Dakota to Edwin and Mabel (Johnson) Olson. Elvin was the fifth of 10 siblings. He attended the Johnson School in rural Williams County, North Dakota. He then went on to help his father on the family farm. In his early years, he loved to ride his motorcycle and belonged to the Rose Bud Motorcycle Club of Williston.

On June 7th, 1952 Elvin was united in marriage to Patricia Handrum. Elvin and Pati had a double wedding with his sister Helene and Duane Diedrich in Williston, North Dakota. Shortly after, Elvin took over the family farm as he and Pati started their life together. They were blessed with three sons: Brad, Ryan, and Rick. Elvin and Pati celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in June.

Throughout the years, Elvin was active in the Methodist Church, Farm Bureau, and the Moose. You could always catch Elvin on the dance floor at the Moose on Friday nights, in his signature cowboy hat. He enjoyed being outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, or farming and ranching. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing with his three sons as they often went on fishing trips to Canada.
Above all else, Elvin loved his family, his friends, and the farm.

Elvin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Morris Olson, Jim Olson, Floyd Olson, and Clarence Olson; and sisters, Helene Diedrich and Marion Olson.

Elvin is survived by his wife of 68 years, Pati; and his children, Brad (Marilyn) Olson, Ryan (Debbie) Olson, and Rick (Barb) Olson; his siblings, Ken Olson, Irene Hillstead, and Maxine Nelson, all of Williston. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Taylor Olson (Jordon Evert), Williston; Whitney (Jason) Stephenson, Williston; Channing (Ken) Rohlf, Colstrip; Chennille (Jon) Currier, Williston; Cheyenne Olson (Ashton Kinzie), Williston; Christian (Heather) Olson, Williston; Nichole (Mike) Koch, Williston; Libby (Darin) Burau, Williston; Eric Olson, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and by his 21 great grandchildren. Additionally, Elvin is survived by brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, many cousins, family, and friends.

Memorial Contribution