M. Magnus Olafson

M. Magnus "Mike" Olafson (Sir Magnus) died April 24, 2015 in Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, ND, at age 94. He was born October 23, 1920 on the Olafson family farm near Gardar, North Dakota and spent his entire life living in and supporting the community of Gardar and the adjacent communities of Edinburg and Mountain. On October 30, 1945 he married Lois Flanagan. They continued to live on the farm while raising three children: Larry, Bob and Jean. Mike farmed and later worked for other agribusiness organizations, including almost 20 years as office manager for the Hall family farming operation in Edinburg and Hoople, ND. Mike touched the lives of many people because he saw the good in everyone, was genuinely interested in their lives and their stories, and treated them with respect and dignity. He served the community in many ways, including multiple terms on the church council for Gardar Lutheran Church and Pembina Hills Lutheran Church beginning in 1943 and continuing into the 1990s. He was Gardar's school clerk and later chair of the Edinburg school board. He sang in the church choir for over 50 years and also served on the Gardar cemetery board for more than 50 years including many years as president. He served for over 20 years on the board of the Northeastern North Dakota Heritage Association and was treasurer for much of that time. His interest in and knowledge of history, heritage and people made him a valued source of information and insight. Fluent in the Icelandic language, Mike was proud of his Icelandic heritage and of the lives of his immigrant ancestors. Beginning in 1986 he made 10 trips to Iceland and became friends with many relatives, government officials and other Icelanders. In 1999 Iceland's President lafur Ragnar Grmsson presented him with the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Falcon in recognition of his efforts to preserve the history and culture of Iceland in America. In October 2005 he was made an honorary life member of the Icelandic National League of Iceland. He appeared in several Icelandic documentary programs and spoke to several groups in that country. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, J.K. and Kirstin Olafson, brothers Jon and Ted, his wife Lois and daughter Jean Levang. He is survived by sons Larry (Petaluma, CA) and Bob (St. Paul, MN), son-in-law Irv Levang (Chaska, MN); grandchildren Kristi Olafson, Jolene (Steve) Panciocco, Cheri (Dave) Stanford and Chris Levang; and great-grandchildren Emily and Lauryn Panciocco and Taylor and Macey Stanford. In his later years, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him special joy and pride. Visitation 5:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, April 28 at Tollefson Funeral Home, Edinburg, ND with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Funeral services 10:00 am Wednesday, April 29 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Edinburg, ND with interment following at the Gardar cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Gardar Church Preservation Fund, Pembina Hills Lutheran Church, Northeastern North Dakota Heritage Association, or Borg Pioneer Memorial Home.