Olger Edwin Barsness, 96, a longtime Minot resident, died Wednesday, July 15, 2009 in a Minot hospital.

Olger was born on September 15, 1912 in Surrey, ND to David and Anna (Engebretson) Barsness. He was reared and educated in Maryland Township of Ward County, north of Surrey. As a young adult he assisted with the operation of the family farm.

Olger married Viola Hovey on August 24, 1935 in Minot. They made their home in Velva, where he owned and operated the Velva Bakery. The family moved to Minot in 1950, when he purchased the City Bakery on Main Street in Minot. Olger, Viola and family operated the bakery until 1974, when a downtown renewal project forced the businesses closure and Olger's retirement. During their retirement years, they spent extended time during the winter months in Mesa, Arizona. Viola died on February 26, 2006.

Olger was a member of the Minot Chamber of Commerce. He also worked with the planning commission for the Milton R. Young Towers. He was an active member of the Minot business community. Olger, also organized the North Dakota Baking Association in the mid 60's.

Olger was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and a former member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva. His home church while growing up was Immanuel Lutheran, rural Surrey. He was an active member of the Minot Lion's Club since 1954 and had served as president of the local club and District Governor of the regional organization. He was actively involved in the establishment of eight North Dakota and two Arizona Lion's clubs. He was especially proud and honored to be awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award by Lions International. Also, he was a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Aerie and especially enjoyed bowling, golf, traveling and dancing. He was an excellent dancer.

Olger's loving family includes his children: Geraldine Peterson and Audrey Nelson both of Minot, Diane Stevenson of Mesa, AZ and Terry (Jean) Barsness of Beaumont, CA; adoring grandchildren: Julie (Allan) Argust, Jane (Mark) Grunenwald, Jennifer (Don) Lafontaine, John (Kim) Peterson, Debra (Ernie) Gutierrez, Jeffrey (Connie) Nelson, Wade Nelson, Kevin Nelson, Bradley (Crystal) Stevenson, Brent (Tracey) Stevenson, Bryan Barsness, and Matthew Barsness; great grandchildren: Eric Argust; Jessica, Christine, and Heather Grunenwald; Jamie (Nick) Apffel; Justin Lafontaine; Tyler, Sarah, and Zachary Peterson; Marcus and Kaitlyn Gutierrez; Chaz (Ashley) Nelson; Brittany and Michael Nelson; Alexandra Nelson; Cory, Steven, and Morgan Stevenson; Jessica, Brock, and Owen Stevenson; great great grandchildren: Ryley Nelson, Nicholas & Christian Apffel; sisters: Myrtle Lund of Minot and Bernice Gerszewski of Oakhurst, CA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Olger was preceded in death by his wife, sisters: Viola Dickey, Irene Wallery, Delia Bowman and Hazel Barsness; brothers: Blaine, Bernie and LaVerne Barsness; sons-in-law: Jerome Peterson, Mike Nelson and Clarence Stevenson.

Funeral Service: Monday, July20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from Noon to 5:00p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation, 215 3rd Ave SE, Minot, ND 58701, Minot, Lion's Club PO Box 1671, Minot, ND 58702, and Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch PO Box 5007, Minot, ND 58702.