Rae D. Olson, 67, of Harlow, ND formerly of Esmond, ND, died Saturday, February 7, 2009, at St. Alexis Hospital in Bismarck.  Funeral services will be Thursday, February 12th, 2009,  1:30 PM  at Leeds Lutheran Church in Leeds with Pastor Richard Budd and Pastor Harold Ovre officiating.  The eulogy will be given by Gary Helgeson. Burial will be at Our Savior's Cemetery at Harlow, ND later in the spring. Casket bearers will be sons:  Michael & Corey Olson,  son-in-law:  Jerry Allery,  grandsons:  Michael J. Olson,  Spencer Olson, and  Jace Riggin, nephews:  Brent Olson,  Alan Olson,  Scott McGarvey,  Travis Stuberg,  Jady Stuberg and Jody McGarvey.  Honorary bearers will be:  John & Bernice Eberle,  Dennis & Sylvia Leier,  Louis & Helen Arnold,  Brad & Mary Bachmeier,  Kenny & Susan Bachmeier,  Erling & Sandy Karlsbraaten,  Greg & Marilyn Wolfe,  Henry Streifel, Jeannette Arnold and Byron Brenno.    Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 6:30 pm with a 6:30pm Prayer Service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Esmond.  Visitation on Thursday will be from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the Leeds Lutheran Church. Music for the service will be from:  Claudette Carlson, vocalist,  Jace Riggin, piano solo with Jennifer Hagen, organist. The Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock is in charge of the arrangements.

Rae Dean Olson was born February 20, 1941 in Butte Valley Twp, rural Harlow, ND, to Melvin and Louise (Anderson) Olson.  He attended school in Harlow and Leeds.  Rae's education came from working and the "school of life".  He was very proud of the fact that he started working on the Walter Groff farm at the age of nine.  Rae worked in various occupations over the years including parts man for Orris Nordhougen Implement,  owned and operated a gravel truck,  operated the Standard Service Station in Leeds, did custom combining and crop spraying, farmed in the 70's and 80's, drove school bus, and operated Rae's Repair in Esmond for many years.  Rae married Jean Helgeson on May 31, 1962, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Harlow. The couple lived for a time in Leeds and Harlow, then moved to Esmond in 1965 and made their home there until returning to Harlow in 1999.

Rae will be remembered for his story telling ability, sarcastic sense of humor and his quick wit.  He was known by many as "Uncle Rae".   Rae loved babies, talking about what's wrong with your car or machinery, reading books to his grandchildren, playing cards and surfing the web.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Esmond, the Devils Lake Elks and Harvey Eagles.

Rae is survived by his loving wife:  Jean;  children:  Michael (Eliza) Olson of Shorewood, IL,  Rhonda (Jerry) Allery of Woodlake, ND and Corey (Mona) Olson of Maddock;  seven grandchildren:  Desiree'  Rebecca,  Michael Joseph,  Samantha, Jace, Spencer and Olivia;  sisters:  Carolyn (Gary) McGarvey & Lori (Bradley) Stuberg both of Leeds and Kevin (Bonnie) Olson of Reynolds, ND;  brothers-in-law:  Bob (Janice) Helgeson of Maddock and Gary (Joy) Helgeson of Kensal, ND; an aunt:  Alma Svebakken of Apache Junction, AZ; longtime friends:  John & Bernice Eberle of Devils Lake and Byron Brenno of Leeds.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  brothers:  Dennis, Leslie and Jerome Olson;  mother & father-in-law:  Edwin and Hazelle Helgeson and a niece:  DeAnn Helgeson.



Condolences:


My sympathy goes out to your family during this dificult time. It was a shock to hear of Rae's passing. Rae had a sense of humor like no other and would make my shifts with him one of a kind. We also had lots to visit about since I grew up in the Devils Lake area. May he be forever remembered in your hearts.
Desiree Bina, RN St. Alexius Hospital



Rae Dean - I have so many fond memories of you! The bike you built with an engine on it was the talk of the town in Harlow! However, that cannot top the memory of you taking Jean's old gray car (Studebaker, maybe?) out on the slough one night in Harlow - I maybe was 8 years old and you had a carfull spinning 'cookies' on the ice! Maybe that is when I first deveoped bladder incontinence?
You always had that silly grin and everyone got infectedted with it - when you and Jean got married, I danced my first real waltz with you at your wedding - you spun me all ovwer the floor at the hall in Harlow and that is when I fell in love with the Waltz!
I wish I could cook up a huge pot of ham 'n' bean soup for your funeral! Louise would be so proud and I know she was there to welcome you home.
You did shine a light on many lives, Rae - I miss you but am glad you are much happier now - thank you for being part of my life!

Jan (Anderson) Lee



Jean, to you and your family, to Carolyn, Lori, and Kevin I just want to say how sorry I am and that Rae was an awesome person (cousin)!!!! I know that the loss is and will be great and long but want you all to know that ALL of you are in my prayers and if there is anything I can ever do please call. He loved his children but he REALLY loved all his grandchildren. Hang on to all your memories. God bless you all, Barbie
Barb Higginbotham



Jean and Rhonda, I am saddened at the passing of your husband and dad. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie
Connie Nash Arnold



To all of the Olson's, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Rae. I didn't know him that well but when I was around him, he was a very kind person and one that got along well with all and was very proud of his family. I am sure that Auntie Louise will take good care of him upon going home to heavon to her. I pray that God helps all of you get through this hard time and time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you!!!!

Barbie's daughter Amanda



Jean & family,

Our deepest sympathy and understanding to you and your family during this difficult time. May God be near you all now and in the days ahead. Thinking of you,

Renee & Preston



To the family,

Rae was also a friend of mine and Gerry and my prayers will go with all of you..

God Speed
Later to all Jack Gerry Hoffner



Jean and Family,

I am so sorry to hear the news about Rae. May all the good memories you have of him keep you going.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Debbie A.



Jean and family,

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you during this difficult time. I am sure that all of the "Rae stories" will comfort you and will bring you laughter to wipe away your tears. No matter how ill Rae felt, he always had a cheery "hello" when I would see him at the clinic and I will miss that. Please know that my prayers are with you at this time.

Kaye



To Jean and family:
Was so sorry to hear about Rae. I have many fond memories of family gatherings in Harlow. Rae was always keeping whoever he was visiting with laughing. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Debbie (Anderson) Bakken



I am very sorry to hear about your loss.I always really liked Rae, he was one of a kind..It is times like this that a person wishes there were alot more family get togethers..He will be missed dearly..My heart felt wishes go out to your entire family..I was planning on being there,but the road conditions the way they are,I dont think I will be able to make it..I wish your family the best through these sad times..He shall be in great company in heaven..
Best Wishes,,Corey Thompson (Barbs son)

Jean & family
So sorry to hear about Rae, read in the paper he had been in the hospital here in Bismarck, but talked with Nancy (Eberle) and said he had went home. We sure would have went & seen him..Hope you all are doing okay. We were in Mpls when Rae died we got home today. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

God Bless
Kay
Kay & Bob Verke



Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family, Jean, Mike, Rhonda, Corey (Mona) & Spenser. Raewas always a kind person with a smile on his face. I know his pride and joy was his family. May he rest in peace for all the pain and suffering is over. Chreish all of the memories he has left behind.

God Bless Yoour Family.
Estagen & Linda Zimmerman

To Jean and family and Brother and sisters of Rae,

So very sorry to hear of Rae's passing. I've had very little contact with you all over the years but doesn't mean you haven't been in our thoughts and prayers. Many memories... good and funny ones... even Rae as "babysitter" about a hundred yrs ago (folks had gone somewhere and needed an overseer for us boys - Denny, Leslie, and I - may be Curt Sandberg)! Rae, on his knees (in his underwear shorts) with his face at the heat-vent in the floor of the big house near the school in Harlow - hollering, "Ma, I need some pants..."

I pray when my day comes... I leave some dear and lasting memories as did Rae!

I find it helps a lot, reflecting on the good memories of those who've gone on... Also, I'm reminded just how fragile life can be... and I find myself wanting to be closer to my Lord!

In His lovingkindness, I pray God will grant all of you His wondrous peace and comfort! I've found Him to be far, far more than all this world can offer... I pray that be true for you also...

Cousin, Larry Anderson

To the Family of Rae Olson:

So sorry for your loss.

Sincerely, Dawn Hoffner