Gary Olson

   Gary Allen Olson was born February 28, 1943 in Lisbon, N.D., to Nels and Adeline (Janecek) Olson.  Gary grew up on the family farm and attended Gilbert School #6 for grades 1-8.  He went to high school in Lisbon.  This is where he met Phyllis Hitchcock.  They were married August 5, 1961.

   Gary and Phyllis moved to Oak Harbor, WA, for the first year of their marriage.  While there, Gary worked at a Richfield service station.  When they returned to Lisbon, N.D., Gary took a position in Valley City, N.D., with the Department of Transportation.  Shortly thereafter, he was offered and accepted the position of parts manager for Cummins Diesel in Fargo.  With some experience under his belt, Gary moved on to a career with CATCO Parts and Service.  He was branch manager and then spent many years opening new stores in MN and WI.  Gary retired from CATCO in 2003.

   Gary enjoyed all things with an engine.  This led him to becoming involved in snowmobiles and vintage cars as a hobby.  Throughout his life, he bought, restored, and sold many snowmobiles, cars, and trucks.  Gary received many national awards during his travels to car shows.  He also started drag racing snowmobiles with his sons.  During those years, they won many championships as well as the World Series in the U.S. and Canada.

   Gary loved spending time with his family, whom he lovingly called his “Group.”  He was extremely proud of each one of them.  Gary is survived by his wife Phyllis and their three children, Jeffrey (Kim) Olson, West Fargo, Julie (Monte) Schlecht, Lisbon, and Joel (Lisa) Olson, Berwyn, IL; 6 grandchildren, Lucas (Kylie) Schlecht, Adam (Alison) Schlecht, Ashley Olson, Kyle Olson, Justin Olson, and Zachary Ahnefeld; 9 great-grandchildren, Samantha, Kaylie, Gage, and Aspyn Schlecht, Leah and Brady Schlecht, Jordyn Reid, Harper Olson, and Gotham Ahnefeld; sisters-in-law Janice Olson, Gail Palmer, Sheryl (Virgil) Dagman; brother-in-law Charles Hitchcock; and many nieces and nephews.

   Gary was preceded in death by his parents Nels and Adeline Olson; sisters Goldie (Ted) Bott and Vonnie (James) Steele; and brothers Clifford (Mavis) Olson, Willis (Doris) Olson, and Donald Olson.

   In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials made to Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, Memory Café, or a charity of your choice.

Visitation: Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.

Memorial Service: Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.

Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Lisbon, ND in the spring.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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