Gerald Olson

Minot

Gerald “Ole” Olson, 72, Minot native, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Trinity Hospital in Minot. He was born on January 17, 1952, to Richard Harold and Alice Grace (Olson) Olson at Trinity Hospital in Minot.

Gerald was raised in Minot, ND his entire life, with the exception of one year in Billings. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 414 and attained the rank of Life Scout. The Boy Scout motto of “be prepared” is something that he carried throughout his life. During junior high and high school, he was active in football and wrestling, which created lifelong friendships. Summers were spent working on the farm hauling bales for uncles, Chris and Marvin.

Ole graduated from Minot High School in 1970. On August 10, 1970, Ole formed a business relationship with Roger Ward as Wrecker and Impound Manager for Ward’s Standard. In 1973, land was purchased on the east side of Minot. In 1974, a partnership was formed with his brother Wendell.

Ole married Claudia McBeth on July 30, 1976, at Vincent United Methodist Church in Minot. They made their home adjacent to their office where business and raising a family went hand in hand. Wyatt joined the ranks in 1982 when he was born; as did twins Dusty and Rusti in 1984. He took great pride that his children were able to develop a relationship of working together to continue his legacy.

In 1977, Ole and Wendell purchased Owl Wrecker Service from Bryce and Francis Aga; a firm established in 1956, later renamed Olson’s Owl Wrecker. A short time later, his father Richard, an accomplished welder, brothers Gordon and Gary, sister Diane, and youngest brother Curtis became involved in the operation. Later when Wendell left the partnership, Ole and Claudia continued on in raising a family while living and working in the towing business. While Ole built the business, he would always state Claudia was the foundation and it wouldn’t have been possible without her involvement and sacrifices.

On July 1, 1995, the business was renamed Ole Olson’s Towing and Recovery. He was a member of many associations. Most notably he was a founding member of the North Dakota Towing Association, he was inducted into the Nodak Speedway Hall of Fame in 2021, and his proudest achievement of being inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame in 2009. He formed lifelong bonds with members of these organizations, as well as longtime customers. Over the years he also formed bonds by dedicating his resources to helping community services like law enforcement, K-9 units, and fire departments.

Wyatt worked alongside Ole throughout his childhood and into adulthood, becoming an invaluable part of the business. Dusty worked on and off staying full time in 2011. Rusti started after college in 2006 helping Claudia in the office. In 2019 Ole incorporated where Wyatt, Dusty, and Rusti began taking over the business. They are honored to continue serving the community.

The towing industry is tough on families. He did everything he could to make up for sporting events/concerts/memories missed and lost vacations; but he did always have time for ice cream. You couldn’t drive ¼ mile down the road without Ole pointing to a spot in which he did a recovery. His grandchildren Payton, Ryder, Lane, Westin and Oliver were the apple of his eye;

his love for them cannot be described in words. Underneath his large stature and sometimes gruff voice lied a heart of gold that would do just about anything for anyone who needed help.

Sharing in his life is his wife of 48 years, Claudia Olson; his sons, Wyatt (Ann) Olson of Des Lacs, Dusty Olson (Kelli Marchand) and daughter, Rusti Sys of Minot; grandchildren, Payton and Ryder Sys, Lane, Westin, and Oliver Olson; brothers, Larry (Donna) of Bowie, MD, Gordon (Judy), Gary, both of Burlington, Wendell (Karen) of Minot, and Curtis (Katie) of Garrison; favorite sister, Diane of Minot; mother-in-law, Annabelle McBeth of Minot; brother-in-law, Carter (Delilah) McBeth of Bantry; uncle, Chris Olson of Garrison; blood brother, Don Yellowbird of White Shield; favorite son, Koby Weishaar of Minot. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, former and present employees, too numerous to mention.

Gerald was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edward and Alphoeba Olson; maternal grandparents, Christ and Louise Olson; parents, Richard and Alice Olson; father-in-law, Clifford McBeth.

Funeral: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot. Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND. Visitation: Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Christ Lutheran Church website: https://www.christlutheranminot.org/church-online/

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, August 17, 2024.