Ed Olson

Ed Olson, 73, Bismarck, passed away unexpectedly on March 23, 2009, in Cape Coral, FL. Services will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, March 30, at Church of St. Anne with Rev. Ed Wehner officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Sunday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Ed was born on May 29, 1935, to Carroll and Jane Whittey Olson in Wadena, MN. After graduating from Cretin High School in St. Paul, MN, he earned a degree from Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis, MN. He married his lifetime love, Barbara Wichmann on October 20, 1956. Ed’s career in the trucking business began with Cummins Diesel Sales in St. Paul, MN and Fargo, ND. In 1971, he became a partner in the White Truck dealership in Bismarck. Two years later he became the sole owner and renamed the business Trucks of Bismarck. Among his many business accomplishments, Ed received the Freightliner Dealer of the Year in 1979 and was a finalist of the ATD/Heavy Duty Trucking Truck Dealer of the Year Award. Ed was very involved with the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association and served as President from 1994-1996 and served on the Board of Directors since 1979. He was honored with the “Pioneer Carrier of North Dakota” award by the ND Motor Carriers in 2004. Ed was also a lifetime member of the Bismarck Elks Club. He attributed his success to hard work, honesty, and fairness in his dealings with customers and employees. Ed was a very compassionate, caring person; always concerned about the needs of others and willing to stop and chat with anyone. Ed enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their lake home near Brainerd, MN. He served as Portage-Crooked Lake Association President and remained active with their projects. He and his brother-in-law, George Kueppers, enjoyed woodworking and were lovingly known as the “Crabby Crafters.” Ed was an avid Minnesota Vikings and NASCAR fan and had a love for reading, watching movies, and fishing. His faith was always an important part of his life. Ed’s outgoing personality, sense of humor and words of wisdom touched all who knew him. Ed was an extremely loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ed will be deeply missed by his family including his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Carol Rick Opp; his son, Mark Lindy Olson; three granddaughters, Laura Nick Henkelman, Kelly Opp, and Leandra Olson; one brother, Dick Libby Olson; one brother-in-law, George Kueppers; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Delmar and Kay Boyken; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Laura Kueppers and Kathie Schmitz. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Ruth Meier’s Hospitality House, Bismarck, or Wild and Free Wildlife Program, Garrison, MN.

Ed Olson

May 29, 1935 - March 23, 2009