Kenneth Olson, 88, Minot and longtime Burlington area farmer died on Friday, January 3, 2020 at his home from an apparent heart attack.

Kenneth Russell Olson was born on August 22, 1931 in Minot to Bennie and Esther (Rustad) Olson. He was raised in Minot, graduated from Minot High School in 1949 and attended North Dakota State School of Science and Minot State University for a short time. Kenny was a proud member of the 1949 ND Class A state championship basketball team. As a young adult, he completed basic training for the U.S. Army just prior to the end of the Korean Conflict so he was discharged. Also, he was employed by the Great Northern Railroad for a few years.

Kenny married Esther Werre on July 6, 1957 at First Presbyterian Church in Minot.
They made their home in Minot. Kenny farmed in the Trestle Valley area of Burlington Township of Ward County. He raised small grains, sunflowers and canola. He never fully retired from farming because he could be found at the farm on an almost daily basis "checking" on things. Esther died on November 7, 2011. Kenny had continued to reside in Minot, but spent the winter months in Mesa AZ.

Kenny was a longtime member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church - Minot as well as the Eagles Aerie, Elks Lodge and American Legion organization. He was an avid bowler and played a lot of pool and horseshoes. He also enjoyed golfing and fishing and was a fan of the Vikings, Twins, MSU athletic teams and Patsy Cline vocal selections.

Kenny's loving family includes his son: Glen (Amanda) Olson of Minot, daughter-in-law: Janelle Olson of Mesa AZ, grandchildren: Taylor, Austin, Teague and Preston Olson; brother: Gordon (Helen) Olson of San Clemente CA, sisters-in-law: Lillian Olson of Minot and Phyllis Olson of Brookings SD; brother-in-law: Al (Janet) Werre of Cape Cod MA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son: Jerry and siblings: Eldrice Van Sickle, Burnette Guthrie, Vernon, Arthur (Nola), Harlan, Richard (Lucille) and Curtis Olson.

Celebration of the Life of Kenneth Olson: Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in Cornerstone Presbyterian Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church or to the donor's choice.

Kenneth Olson Flower Pictures