Arden Olson, 86, of Harvey died Thursday, November 7, 2019 after a short stay at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison, ND.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 13 at the First Lutheran Church, Harvey, ND.  Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey.  Burial will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Arden Owen Olson was born to Olaf and Aagot (Thorson) Olson on April 27, 1933 on the family homestead in the Benedict area.  He grew up there and attended a country school through the 8 ^th grade. Arden then went to work on a section crew for the Soo Line Railroad.  When he turned 17 he enrolled in the Air Force.  He served in the Air Force for 4 years and during this time he obtained his GED and married Eyvonne Legg on June 6, 1955.  After receiving his honorable discharge he resumed working for the Soo Line Railroad.   During his marriage with Eyvonne, their children Keith and Karen were born.  Years later the marriage dissolved.  Arden married Katherine Bromley on October 8, 1977.  Arden later retired from the Soo Line Railroad after working 43 years for them.  Fellow railroad workers gave Arden the nickname, "Swede" and he was known with that name for years of which was quite funny when Arden was 100% Norwegian.  During retirement Arden took up enjoying more of his passion for the outdoors.  Arden had a love for farming and throughout his years he was often found on his brother Orwin's farm or on the Bromley farm helping in the fields.  He continued to garden, fish and loved hunting.  He often shared the story of his great hunting experience while being stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska.  He carried a strong desire to return to Alaska one more time.  Arden enjoyed family time, especially being with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Arden was active in the First Lutheran Church, the Masonic Lodge and the Eagles Club all in Harvey.  He enjoyed his coffee breaks on Thursday mornings at the church and then during the week at a local café with his buddies.  Katherine passed away on May 26, 2019 and they were married for 41 years.  Arden continued to live by himself in their home and still worked in his garden this past summer.  He even managed to make Keith jealous when he got pulled for a deer tag for this fall and Keith didn't!  Due to Arden's declining health with his long hard fight against cancer, he wasn't able to do that hunt. Arden passed away on November 7, 2019 with Keith and Karen and his sister-in-law, Twila Olson by his side.

Arden is survived by his son, Keith (Debbie) Olson of Harvey; daughter, Karen Holte of Watford City; step son, Ron (Toni) Bromley of Drake; six grandchildren, Shawn Olson, Samantha (Thomas) Rupp, Landon Holte, Casey (Paula) Holte, Kathleen (Bromley) Leier, Andy (Dani) Bromley; 11 great grandchildren, Camden and Adleigh Olson; Atlas Rupp; Carter and Henry Holte; Cruz and Collins Holte; Alex, Logan and Jace Leier; and Brooke Bromley.

Arden was preceded in death by his parents; wife Katherine, siblings Selma Westman, Effie Olson, Orwin Olson and brother-in-law Andy Westman.