March 21, 2012

Doris E. Olson

Doris E. (Zuehlke) Olson was born Dec. 18, 1921 to Paul and Minnie (Harms) Zuehlke in Orion, Alberta, Canada. When Doris was six years old, the family moved to the Charlson area in McKenzie County, N.D., where her father farmed. Doris attended Reservation School through the grades and attended high school in Sanish and Parshall. She completed her high school studies in three years by taking some correspondence courses. After graduation, she attended NYA School in Arnegard, N.D., where she met Harvey Olson. They were married on Nov. 28, 1940 (Thanksgiving Day) at the Lutheran parsonage in Parshall. The couple made their home on a farm just west of Arnegard where they raised their family of five children. She helped with all facets of the farm, drove the tractors, ran the combine, hauled grain and then went home to help with milking the cows. Doris and Harvey opened up their home to “country kids” needing a place to stay in town for high school. Many lasting friendships were made from these associations.
Doris is remembered for her cooking and baking skills; caramel rolls fresh from the oven when her kids came home from school, donuts and Norwegian goodies for the grand-kids. Doris and Harvey enjoyed traveling from Europe to Asia and all over the U.S. Bowling and pinochle were favorite pastimes. They remained in their farm home until October 2003 when they moved to the Horizon in Watford City. She enjoyed going for rides in the country and hamburgers in Arnegard. Harvey passed away in July 2004, and in July 2008, Doris moved to the Good Shepherd Nursing Home where she passed away on March 15, 2012.
Doris was a member of the Wilmington Lutheran Church and WELCA, past member of Sons of Norway and the Arnegard Homemakers.
Doris is survived by her son, Myron Olson of Watford City; daughters, Carol (Gordon) Jarvis of E. Peoria, Ill., and Wanda (Ralph) Steen of Arnegard; five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth (Brian) Carey of Oregon and brother, Arnold (Patti) Zuehlke of Nevada.
Preceding Doris in death were her parents; husband; son, Gerald; daughter, Delores; daughter-in-law, Carroldine; brother, Walter; and special friend, Swede Colquhoun.
Funeral services were held on  March 20, 2012, at Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard, N.D., with Rev. Timothy Swenson officiating and interment was at the Wilmington Cemetery, Arnegard, N.D.
Friends may share condolences and memories with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER