Betty A. Olafson

The family of Betty Ann (McDonald) Olafson, age 84, announce her passing on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Eventide Care Center in Fargo. With her daughters by her side, holding her hands, she departed after bravely facing cancer and enduring many complications the past few months.

Born on November 11, 1940, in a log home on the Jack Cranley farm near Cavalier, ND. She was the fourth child of eight born to Gladys née Solberg (1913-2001) and James McDonald (1909-1995) of Cavalier. The family moved to the city of Cavalier when she was young where she attended school.

On St. Patrick’s Day in 1958, Betty met Robert “Bob” Olafson. Two months later, she graduated from Cavalier High School. The next year, she worked as a babysitter, at the café, and as a carhop at the Drive-Inn. On June 5, 1959, Bob and Betty were united in marriage at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cavalier and she became “married to an Icelander.”

Betty was a stay-at-home mom and farm wife while Bob grew a construction company and worked on the Olafson farm in the Eyford community. Her hands were never idle as she cooked, helped her in-laws and nephews and niece who all lived on the same farm. She volunteered at church teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at the Pembina Hills Lutheran churches. She was a member of the Ladies Aide, the Mountain American Legion Auxiliary, and the Hillside Club, all of which did many volunteer projects in the community.

In January of 1978, she enrolled at The Hair Designers Academy in Grand Forks. After graduating, she worked many years in Cavalier and Crystal as a cosmetologist and managed the Borg Home Store. Bob and Betty had many good friends in the Mountain and Gardar area. They loved getting together, playing cards, dancing, and playing pool.

After Bob retired in 1994, they moved to Fargo where they babysat for their young grandchildren, Krissy and Zach. Bob passed away on January 26, 2018. Betty volunteered at Innovis Hospital Gift Shop and was active in the Senior Living apartments volunteering on various projects such as making tie blankets, cooking for others, playing cards, singing, and engaging in the community where she had many close friends.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Bob, her parents and five siblings Marvin, Georgie, Irene, Gordon, and Linda. She was also predeceased by two nephews, many in-laws, and special friends.

Betty leaves behind three daughters, 1. Sunna Pam (Jeff) Furstenau and grandchildren Macey (Matt) Andvik all of Fargo and Cody (Caitlin) Furstenau of Oxbow; 2. Brenda (Rock) Messerschmidt of Fargo and grandchildren Nikki (Jon) Kearns of Grand Forks, Kayce (Gabe) Halley of Durbin; 3. Barb (Keith) Aasen and grandchildren Krissy and Zach Aasen all of Bismarck. There are sixteen great-grandchildren who also survive. Siblings who survive: John (Sandy) of Idaho and Joyce (Jack) Trottier of Ohio. Brother-in-laws Roger (Marilyn), Curtis Olafson and Junie Doyle, Sister-in-law, Judy McDonald, as well as nieces, nephews, and many extended family members.

Betty’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Eventide of Fargo and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the care she received these past few months. Memorials can be made to the Mountain Community Center, Vikur LCW, Thingvalla Eyford Cemetery, or a charity of your choice.

The family invites you to a lunch and visitation on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Mountain Community Center starting at 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. with a 1:00 p.m. memorial service to follow. Burial will be held in the Eyford Thingvalla Cemetery.