Charley Olson

Charley N. Olson, 64, Fargo, ND, passed away on May 8, 2022, at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.  

Charley was born January 21, 1958, to Charley and Catherine Olson in Crookston, MN.  He graduated from Perley High School.  Charley attended Moorhead State University and graduated with a degree in Industrial Education in 1982. Charley and Sandy Neumiller were married on June 14, 1986, in Maddock, ND.   

Charley taught for 32 years at Norman County West School in Halstad, MN, retiring in 2015.  He enjoyed teaching his students vocational skills that they could use after they graduated from high school.   He always said “4 years of college is not for everyone!”.   During his career at Norman County West, Charley was a member of the Minnesota Education Association and was the representative for the local school union.  He was proud of being the voice of the teachers.  He also received an Honorary Chapter FFA degree.  

Charley loved to fish and hunt.  He spent countless hours fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter.  He was an avid bow hunter and was so proud when he was able to get a deer with his bow.   He also enjoyed golfing.  But if he had a choice between golfing or fishing, fishing always won!  Charley was a talented woodworker and created many pieces of furniture for their home and also pictures made out of wood.  His attention to detail was amazing.  Charley and Sandy were able to take many family vacations with their kids going to California, Florida, and Mexico.  They also spent a week at Ottertail Lake at Holly’s Resort every summer for the past 20 summers.   Charley enjoyed this week visiting with family and friends and, of course, fishing.  Charley belonged to the Masons and served as Worshipful Master of the Sunrise Lodge, Fargo.  Charley was very proud of being a recovered alcoholic and would have celebrated eight years of sobriety on May 10^th.  

Charley is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sandy; daughter Erica (Scott) Motschenbacher, and son Trevor (Laurel McAndrews) Olson; and Hazel (his rescue kitten).  Charley is also survived by his mother Catherine Olson, brothers John (Suzann) Olson and Joe (Sandy) Olson and sisters Catherine Mason, Carol (Greg) Vigesaa, Cheryl (Larry) Skjoiten along with his nieces and nephews.  Charley was preceded in death by his Dad Charley Olson and father-in-law, Gene Neumiller. 

Charley was a truly kind and loving person to all who knew him and he will be missed more than words can say.  A special thank you to Hospice of the Red River Valley for their loving care of Charley. 

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorials be given to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Roger Maris Cancer Center or the charity of choice. 

Funeral:  2 pm Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo.

Visitation:  An hour prior.

Interment:   Will be at a later date in Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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