Bernice Lucille Olson

Bernice L. Olson, 91, died Christmas Day, 2018, in the Sanford Palliative Care Unit in Fargo, ND, with her family at her side.

Bernice Lucille Rude was born October 6, 1927, in Langdon, ND, to Arthur and Alice (Bye) Rude. She attended Loam #4 through 8th grade and graduated from Langdon High School in 1945. She attended Valley City State Teacher’s College for 1 summer and started teaching school in the fall of 1945. She attended Valley City State College for one more summer and taught in several one room rural schools for 4 years.

Bernice married Henry E. Olson at the South Pembina Lutheran Church on June 23, 1949. They lived on a farm in Loam Township until moving into Langdon in 1969. Bernice worked at a variety of jobs throughout her life. She was always helping on the farm, served as the township assessor, worked at the JC Penney, and spent 27 years working at Langdon Floral.

Bernice was always active in her church. She and Henry belonged to Vang Lutheran Church and then joined United Lutheran in Langdon. She served the church in multiple roles. Later in life, Bernice took up quilting and made quilts for all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a dedicated “church quilter” and made many quilts for missions.

Bernice is survived by her four children: Gary Olson (Laurel) of Kent, WA, Paul Olson(Michele) of Langdon, Julie Sandstrom (Craig) of Fargo, and Wayne Olson(Shawna) of Kent, WA; grandchildren: Amanda Cooper (Joey) of Enumclaw, WA, Erik Olson (Kayanna) of Kent, WA, John Sandstrom (Hanna) of St. Paul, MN, Joel Sandstrom (Sara McKinley) of Minneapolis, MN and Morgan Olson of Riddle, OR; and great-grandchildren: Maddie and Bridget Cooper and Ole Olson. She is also survived by her brother, Elroy Rude, and sisters: Marliss Bock, Irma Dulmage and Darlyne Keegan, along with several nieces, nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Bernice was independent to the end. She valued her ability to live independently and care for herself. Special thanks to the staff of the Sanford Palliative Care Unit where they tenderly and lovingly cared for Bernice and her family in her last days. She was able to spend Christmas in heaven with Jesus and was welcomed by Henry.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at United Lutheran Church in Langdon, ND, with visitation starting one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Lebanon Cemetery in Langdon.

Memorials are preferred to United Lutheran Church, Maple Manor Care Center or Cavalier County Senior Meals and Services.

Visitation will start one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Lebanon Cemetery in Langdon.