Thomas A. Olson

Thomas A. Olson, age 71 of Grafton, ND, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024 at the Unity Hospital of Grafton.

Thomas Olson was born November 13, 1952 in Grafton, ND, the son of the late Willard and Helen (Nelson) Olson.  He grew up and attended school in Grafton, graduating from Grafton High School in 1970.  He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Mary Jo Watkins on May 31, 1974 in Grafton.  He began farming with his brother in 1978 and started Red River Bean the same year. In 1999 Tom started South Branch Bison Company which was near and dear to Tom’s heart. He was very proud of his animals. Tom continued farming with his son Mikey in 2002 until retiring in 2018.

Tom was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church. Tom had an infectious personality. He enjoyed working hard, being with his friends near and far and playing DJ over a cold beer. His grandchildren meant the world to him and loved watching their activities.

Tom is survived by his sons: Andrew Olson, Scottsdale, AZ, Mikey (Kristi) Olson, Grafton, ND; grandchildren: Kate, Will, Ole, Nash, Doan, and Kayn; his siblings: Linda (David) Onsgard, OR, Randy (Patty) Olson, Grafton, ND, Craig (Lisa) Olson, Queen Creek, AZ, Carolyn Calkins, Fargo, ND; and Holly Perry, Oregon, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife Mary Jo.

Funeral services will be Friday, June 28, 2024 at 3:30 PM at the Grafton Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be for 2 hours prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery of Grafton, ND.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Unity Medical Center Foundation or the North Dakota Cancer Center.