John Ralph Olson, 68, Lake Metigoshe and formerly of Minot, died Saturday, March 11, 2017 in a Minot nursing home.

John was born August 22, 1948 at Watertown, SD, the son of Ralph and Agnes (Michael) Olson. He was raised at Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School in 1966. He continued his education at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, graduating with a degree in engineering. He was also involved in the ROTC program there from 1970-1972. He became a Lieutenant in the Army and served for two years. John was married to Raynell Keller and from this union three children were born. They were later divorced.

In 1987, John married Loanne Lund in Minot. He was employed as an engineer for the U.S. government completing 33 years of civil service at the Minot Air Force Base. He retired in 2003 as chief engineer. Someone once said that John was responsible for 80% of the building projects at the Minot Air Force Base.

In 2012, John and Loane moved to Lake Metigoshe, where they built their dream home. John truly loved the lake especially the fishing. He could be seen walking daily on the road with his furry companion Max.

John was a member of the Minot American Legion Post #26. His hobbies and interests included fishing, hunting, building in his "shop" and watching sports.

John's loving family includes , wife of 30 years, Loanne; children, Chad (Krista) Olson, Minot; Jennifer (Jeff) Kragh, Minot, Missy (Rick) Lucier, Burlington, Emily Olson, Grand Forks, ND; stepchildren, Brandy, Shamra, Karnette (Cris) Carmon; grandchildren, Kyler, Karter, Kenadi, Brenner, Weston, and Paxson Olson; Joshua and Jamey Kragh, Kali and Karsyn Lucier and Jordan Carmon.

John was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, Myrtle and Glenn Lund; step-daughter, Heidi Campbell; 2 grandchildren, Chelsea Kragh and Jarod Carmon.

Celebration of Life service : Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Metigoshe Ministries Christian Center.
Visitation: Friday, March 17th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: preferred to Metigoshe Ministries or an organization of the donor's choice.