Bradley W. Olson passed away May 28th, 2026 surrounded by the love of family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, adventure, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Brad was born on March 29th, 1946 during a memorable snowstorm at St. Luke’s Hospital to Orville and Elsie (Nypen) Olson. From an early age, he developed a strong work ethic, a love of learning, and an appreciation for the outdoors that would remain with him throughout his life.

Brad was gifted with many talents and interests. As a young man, he learned auto mechanics while working alongside his father at the family-owned mobile station. After graduating from Fargo Central High School, he proudly volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force, where he was trained as an Automatic Flight Control System Technician and was stationed in Vietnam.

After returning home, Brad attended North Dakota State University and later graduated from Valley City State Teachers College with a degree in Education. He met and married Judy Torson, and together they began their teaching careers in Kotzebue, Alaska, on the state's northern slope. Brad also served as a school principal during his years in education. Together they welcomed three children: Matthew, Benjamin, and Sherilyn. 

As life unfolded, Brad transitioned into telecommunications, managing Arctic Slope Telephone Company. During this chapter of his life, he developed a deep connection with the Indigenous peoples of Alaska. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping install telephone lines throughout remote northern communities, allowing families to communicate with loved ones in the Lower 48. Decades later, many of those lines remain in operation. Brad earned the trust and friendship of the people he served, often receiving handwoven baskets and knitted sweaters from those unable to pay their phone bills. He was honored to be among the few non-Native individuals invited to participate in traditional hunting expeditions in the Alaskan wilderness.

Brad later met his soulmate, Barbara Rothlisberger-Holweger, and together they shared 44 wonderful years of marriage. Brad welcomed Barbara’s daughter, Stephanie, into his heart and family. They made their home near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where Brad managed Silver Star Telephone in Thayne. The family eventually returned to Fargo, North Dakota, where their children completed their education.

Throughout his career, Brad held many positions that reflected his wide range of talents. He worked as a computer technician for Metropolitan Federal Bank, became a top sales representative for Central Telephone, and managed the F-16 Flight Simulator program for General Dynamics until 1993. He then worked for Lockheed Martin at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo. He was a Happy Hooligan and held a top security clearance in Intel. 

Of all the jobs he held, Brad often said his favorite was working for Olivetti, Inc., where he traveled throughout the world installing computer networking systems for McDonald’s restaurants. The opportunity to travel and meet people from many cultures brought him great joy. Following the loss of Olivetti’s McDonald’s contract, Brad fulfilled a longtime dream by moving permanently to his beloved home on Little Pelican Lake.

There, he provided computer network services for Becker County and Norman County East, served as a guardian for individuals in need, and eventually became his own boss through independent technology consulting. Brad and Barbara also opened their home to foster families, sharing their love and support with many children. Later, Brad became the full-time caregiver for his mother-in-law, a role he embraced with patience, compassion, and devotion. He retired at age 67, grateful for a career filled with purpose and opportunity.

Brad embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. He was a devoted fan of North Dakota State University Bison football and considered purchasing season tickets on the 10-yard line one of his favorite splurges. Tailgating was a cherished tradition, made even more memorable by his customized 1977 Honda Civic, complete with Bison-themed paint, a painted football helmet on the hood, and reupholstered Bison seats. He was equally passionate about Minnesota Vikings football and rarely missed a game.

While living near Jackson Hole, Brad enjoyed golf, downhill skiing, and playing in a senior men’s softball league. He loved scuba diving during his travels and treasured flying his Piper cub through the remote wilderness of Alaska.

At home, Brad could often be found tinkering in his workshop or enjoying the comfort of the log home he built on Little Pelican Lake. Time at the lake brought some of his greatest joys—pontoon rides, tubing, jet skiing, and making memories with his grandchildren. Nothing delighted him more than watching a grandchild stand up on water skis for the first time. He was also known for providing entertainment by water skiing with the rope held in his mouth, much to the amusement of family and friends. During summers, he proudly served as the “film director” for the grandchildren’s Cousin Camp Drama Club productions. Brad was the owner of BWO Enterprises and inventor of the slogan "America Works When Americans Work." 

Retirement suited Brad well. Saturday mornings often found him at the Cornfield Café, enjoying breakfast, working on crossword puzzles, and visiting with the waitstaff, whom he frequently praised for their exceptional service. During the week he could possibly be found at West Acres in Fargo, ND with his walking club buddies, enjoying a Dairy Queen and coffee. On most occasions they solved all the worlds problems but unfortunately never wrote them down. He purchased season passes to Detroit Mountain and enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, riding his Triumph motorcycle, and spending time with friends. His unique style of dancing always turned heads, and he fondly credited his mother and her friends at Fargo’s Sons of Norway for teaching him his moves. Brad did a lot of volunteer work for many organizations, including Youth for Christ. 

Faith was the foundation of Brad’s life. He knew countless hymns by heart and cherished his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He faithfully counted his blessings each day and found great purpose in serving others. He was actively involved with Shoreham Chapel, where he assisted with sound systems, financial management, and remodeling projects. He also enjoyed attending Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fargo and faithfully participated in their online worship services.

In 1988, Brad was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, believed to be related to Agent Orange exposure during his military service. Over the course of nearly four decades, he courageously endured 29 surgeries on his tongue, multiple chemotherapy treatments, and radiation therapy. Through every challenge, Brad remained grateful and hopeful. He deeply appreciated the outstanding care provided by Dr. Terrell at Sanford Health, Dr. Tingley, Dr. Jensen at Roger Maris Cancer Center, Dr. Jones at the VA, hospice nurse Nikki, Pastor Tim Cook, whom Brad affectionately called his “healing doctor” and the many others who walked alongside him on his journey.

Above all, Brad treasured his family, his friends, his faith, and the countless adventures that filled his life. His laughter, kindness, humor, generosity, and steadfast trust in God will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Brad is survived by his wife Barbara Olson; children, Matthew Olson (Molly), Stephanie Weisz (Clinton), Sherilyn Lindley (Eugene); grand-children Lucas Weisz (Susan), Benjamin Alan Olson, Austin Olson (Kyra), Eden O’Shea (Trenton), Olivia Lindley, Esther Lindley and great grandchild, Alaina Olson. Brad is also survived by his siblings; Ardell Olson (Audrey), Melody Heggeness, Dwight Olson (Margaret), in-laws; Cheryl Schmidt (Pat) and Jimmy Rothlisberger (Jelai) and many extended family and friends around the world. Brad is also survived by many cousins, with whom he held fond memories of while visiting the farm together. 

He was preceded in death by son; Benjamin Martin Olson, parents: Orville and Elsie Olson, Mother-in-law; Tillie Rothlisberger and brother-in-law; Billy Rothlisberger.

May God bless the memory of Bradley W. Olson. His life was well-lived, his faith was unwavering, and his legacy will continue through all who were blessed to know him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour before the service at Shoreham Chapel, Detroit Lakes, MN.