Orwin "Orvie" W. Olson , 73, Bismarck, formerly of the Benedict-Ruso area, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, October 2, 2008.

Orwin was born November 6, 1934 on the family farm near Ruso, North Dakota, the son of Olaf and Aagot (Thorson) Olson. He attended Nelson #3 School near rural Benedict and assisted his parents with the operation of the family farm, along with their cattle herd.

Orvie was united in marriage to Twila Bostow on August 4, 1963 at Minot. To this union they were blessed with four daughters. Stynette, Reeon, Stacey, and Amber. They made their home throughout the years at Minot, Drake, and rural Benedict until recently moving to Bismarck.

Orvie was employed with the Great Northern Railroad and assisted with the building of Gavin yards, east of Minot. He was later employed with Soo Line Railroad (later Canadian Pacific) for more than forty-two years, retiring as section foreman in 1996.

Orvie was a member of the Railroad Museum, Minot and assisted with the building of the train-track in Minot's Roosevelt Park. He was also a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Benedict, where he served on the Church's board. He was a member of the local Railroad Maintenance and Way Union. Orvie's life centered around his children and grandchildren, whom meant the world to him. In return, his family loved him dearly. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.

His loving family includes: His loving family includes: wife of forty-five years, Twila; daughters: Stynette (Dave) Watson, Bismarck Reeon Olson, Bismarck, Stacey Olson, Lynnwood, WA, and Amber Olson, Bismarck; grandchildren: Derek Goldade, Heather Stegemann, Nicholas Watson, Kelsey Knopps, Zachary Watson, Sedona Watson, Sterling Watson, Alexis Martin, Ciera Martin, Nevaeh Olson, Chancellor Schoenberg, and Alexander Schoenberg; great-grandson: Evan Watson; brother: Arden (Katie) Olson, Harvey, brother-in-law: Nathan Bostow, Garrison, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Orvie was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother in law: Selma and Andy Westman and his sister: Effie Olson.

Celebration of Life service : Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 11:00a.m. in Concordia Lutheran Church, Benedict, ND
Visitation: At the request of the family, there will be no reviewal, however, friends may sign the memorial register book on Tuesday from 2:00-7:00pm in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice.