Terry Olsen

Terry L. Olsen, 70, Wahpeton, ND passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Fargo, ND. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 7, at 7 PM at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, with Rev. Jule` Ballinger officiating. Visitation will be from 5 pm to 7 pm before the service on Monday. Interment will be at 10 am, Tuesday at Fairview Cemetery, Wahpeton. Arrangements are entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND.

Terry was born on November 12, 1945 to William and Fern (Marohl) Olsen in Breckenridge, MN. He grew up in Wahpeton and graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1963. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country from July 1964 to 1968. He was stationed in Pensacola, FL but also traveled to Iceland and Greenland. He enjoyed telling the story of how he took care of the first monkey in space, Ms. Baker, while in the Navy. He told several other funny stories about life on the base and we all enjoyed listening to them. After his discharge, he returned to Wahpeton and began working for Lambert Lumber where he was proud to be the first one to deliver lumber for the 3M building and Minn-Dak.

On December 27, 1972 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Fairmount, ND, he married the love of his life, Donna Jahner. Together they raised a family of four in Wahpeton, Fairmount, and Battle Lake, MN for a short time. He was employed with various places but the ones he was the most proud of was Froedtert Malt, Crest Fertilizer, Circle of Nations School, and the Wahpeton Senior Citizens Center.

Terry was a hard and dedicated worker who did whatever it took to make sure that his children had everything they needed. If you knew Terry, you knew he was impatient at times. Especially, when it came to getting up early in the morning to go to garage sales or auction sales. He loved to attend the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion each year. He was always able to make anybody laugh no matter what the situation. He was known for passing out his famous "million dollar bills" to just about anyone, some of whom he had just met. His love for his kids and grandkids is what really kept him going. He bought his granddaughter her first horse and loved to watch her ride. He always looked forward to helping Tami and Rob on their farm by hauling bales or driving the bobcat. He was always there for his kids no matter what.

Terry is survived by his four children, Tami (Robert) Peck, Bottineau, ND, Chris Olsen and Eric Olsen, both of Wahpeton, ND, Emily (Jon) Cizek, Wahpeton; his seven grandchildren, Brady, Justin, Mariah, Logan, Reese, Brennen, and Miley; his three brothers, Richard Olsen, Wahpeton, Dave (Cheryl) Olsen, Alexandria, MN, Brian (Barb) Olsen, Wahpeton; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Fern Olsen, his wife, Donna, December 12, 2005, and his infant brother, Joseph Olsen.