Patricia “Pati” Olson, 90, of Williston, ND passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Home in Williston, ND.

Patricia “Pati” Handrum was born December 6th, 1933, in Williston, North Dakota to Noral and Zella Handrum. Pati was one of three siblings, a middle daughter born between older sister, Kay, and younger sister, Nancy. She attended school in Williston, North Dakota and graduated from high school in 1951.

On June 7th, 1952, Pati was united in marriage to Elvin Olson. Elvin and Pati had a double wedding with his sister Helene and Duane Diedrich in Williston, North Dakota. Shortly after, Elvin took over the family farm, where he and Pati resided, and they started their life together. They were blessed with three sons: Brad, Ryan, and Rick. Elvin and Pati were married for 68 years.

Throughout the years, Pati was active in the Methodist Church and numerous farming and ranching programs. Pati especially loved to golf, and she even managed to hit a hole in one in 2017! Pati’s greatest joy was being a farm wife, where you could find her packing lunches, hauling grain, and lending a helping hand to ensure the farm operations kept going. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and in her later years, you could find her on Friday nights at the Moose.

Above all else, Pati loved her family.

Pati was preceded in death by her husband, Elvin; her son, Brad; her daughter-in-law, Debby; her parents Noral and Zella; and her sister, Nancy Sheehan.

Pati is survived by her children, Ryan Olson, and Rick (Barb) Olson, all of Williston; sister, Kay Bakken, Renton, Washington; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Olson, Williston. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Taylor Olson (Jordon Evert), Williston; Whitney (Jason) Stephenson, Williston; Channing (Ken) Rohlf, Collinsville, Oklahoma; Chennille (Jon) Currier, St. Louis, Missouri; Cheyenne Kinzie (Ashton), Williston; Christian (Heather) Olson, Williston; Nichole Koch, Williston; Libby (Darin) Burau, Williston; Eric Olson, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and by her 24 great grandchildren. Additionally, Pati is survived by brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, many cousins, family, and friends.

Memorial Contribution