Lynn Ray Olson, born on June 11, 1949, passed away on January 9, 2023, in Minot, ND.

Lynn was born to parents, Clinton and Lila Olson, in Moorhead, MN, where he spent part of his childhood, along with siblings, Kathy (deceased), and brother, Jim. Lynn attended grade school at St. Joseph’s Catholic School until 1961, when his parents moved the family to Fairmount, ND, where he attended Fairmount Public School until he graduated in 1967. Lynn made lifelong friends in Fairmount with whom he never lost touch.

Lynn enlisted in the US Army in 1969, voluntarily signing up for Vietnam War efforts, and was honorably discharged in 1971.

Lynn found work in construction and met and married Karen Fifer in 1972. The couple moved to Tioga, ND in 1975, and Lynn found employment with Basin Oil, which he would later purchase in 1982. The couple had three children and raised their family in Tioga.

Lynn nurtured and grew his business into a community icon, where patrons would drive the extra distance to enjoy the good old-fashioned treatment of a full-service fuel station. Lynn loved his community and shared his love of softball and country music with his closest friends.
He sold his business in 2014, though continued working until 2016, when he retired.

Lynn moved to his beloved home near Lake Sakakawea in 2014 to foster his dream of living surrounded by nature. He loved all that nature had to offer, and spent most of his time admiring the beauty around him. He spoke fondly of the wild bunnies, which he fed and cared for, that took up residence both at his home and in his heart.
Lynn spent a large portion of his life volunteering for organizations geared toward nature and wild animal preservation, including Pheasants Forever, where he was instrumental in the rehabilitation and releasing of wild pheasants. He also worked with the National Wild Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited, since wildlife, wildlife photography, and ornithology were some of his deepest passions.

Lynn also enjoyed fishing and hunting, though as he aged, found more pleasure in shooting with a camera, honoring his love and compassion for animals and nature in a milder way. He loved coming across Native American artifacts and was passionate about learning and supporting indigenous cultures.

He supported Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, and St. Labre Indian School, donating and visiting often to support the spirit of their missions.

Lynn was dedicated to his family and took pride in making sure his daughters always felt loved and safe.

Lynn Ray Olson is survived and will forever be missed by the following; daughters, Kristina (Tony) Navarrete of Issaquah, WA, Laura (James) McGillis of Tioga, ND, and Jessica Olson of Dickinson, ND. Also; brother, Jim Olson (Teresa) of Downer, MN; grandson, Jacob Porras of San Antonio, TX: and granddaughter, Laila Fischer of Tioga, ND; and by relatives, Max Wilhelmi of Fargo, ND, Briana (Brian) Kautzman of Fargo, ND, Samantha (Michael) Mulligan of Grand Forks, ND, and Shirley Carlson of Dilworth, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clinton & Lila Olson and sister, Kathy Wilhelmi.

Memorial Contribution

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