Tim Olson

Tim Olson, age 70, of Fargo, ND, passed away from a sudden health event at his home on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Timothy “Tim” John Olson, son of Howard and Lil Olson, was born on November 18, 1955. Tim grew up and went to school in Moorhead, Minnesota.  He married the love of his life, Diane, on June 17, 1978. 

Tim faithfully served his community through a 40-year career with the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked to be a shining light for Jesus to everyone he encountered.

Tim accepted Jesus as his Savior at a young age. He would be the first to tell you it was the singularly most important decision of his life to acknowledge his sin, accept the forgiveness Jesus offers, and commit to following Him with his life.

His faith in Jesus Christ and his heart for missions were evident throughout his life and shaped his priorities. Using his gifts to serve others, Tim was a familiar presence in church choirs, dramas, and a men’s Bible Study group. 

Tim lived out the call of James 1:27—caring for those in need. He invested eternally in the lives of dozens of children through ChildHope sponsorships, becoming a father figure to them across several decades. He cherished each opportunity he had to visit them. He traveled to many countries on church mission trips, helping build and support schools, churches, and ministries around the world. He was a talented photographer, not only having his own business but also donating his time and talents to take thousands of sponsorship photos for children in several countries. 

In more recent years, Tim’s ministry moved to his own back door, where he provided food and clothes to many who were in need. He took time to listen to individual stories and pray for them. His kindness extended further through his work to supply thousands of stuffed animals to ministries across the region and around the globe.

Tim will be remembered as the grandpa who always had stuffed animals tied on the top of his car, simply because it would bring others joy and a smile. 

Tim is lovingly remembered by his family: his wife of nearly 48 years, Diane; his children Jenny, Peter (Kaela), and Katie (Sunny Prashant) Mare; his grandchildren Arielle, Judah, Everett, Eliana, and Keziah; his siblings Becky (Tom) Wetzel, Patty (Wes) Well, and Tom (Jen) Olson; and his dog Mikko.

Tim has entrusted to us a rich legacy of faith, love, and perseverance. While he will be deeply missed, his family looks with anticipation upon our future reunion together with him and Jesus in the eternity to come.

Visitation:  Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5 - 7pm, with a Prayer Service held at 7PM, in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Funeral Service:   Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 12 Noon in Northview Church, Fargo, ND.

West Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center

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