Olav Ronningen, 95, Minot, formerly of Carpio, died Sunday, March 16, 2014 in a Minot Hospital.

Olav was born July 1, 1918 at Holmestrand, Norway the son of Knute and Maide Kristine (Solberg) Ronningen. He was raised and educated in Norway and baptized as a Jehovah's Witness. He was employed as a taxi driver in Holmestrand and enlisted in the Norwegian Army. He was kidnapped by the Nazi Army and eventually escaped to Sweden during World War II. After the War, he returned to Norway, where he served with the Norwegian Army guarding German prisoners of war.

Olav met his future wife, Eva Herwonder in 1947 in Bergen, Norway. He moved to the United States to assist his uncle in the operation of the farmstead south of Carpio. Olav was united in marriage to Eva on December 29, 1951 in Norway. They made their home on the farm near Carpio and eventually purchased the farm after his uncle's death. Eva died June 5, 1999. Olav moved to Minot in 2003.

Olav was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Minot. He enjoyed traveling.

Olav is survived by his cousins in Norway and a host of local friends.

Olav was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Eva and brothers, Ludvig, Arnie and Haakon.

Funeral service : Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation : Wednesday from 2:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.