Gerald Olson, age 91, of Miles City.

Gerald Duane Olson passed away peacefully on April 17, 2018, at Friendship Villa Care Center, in Miles City, Montana. Gerald was 91.

Gerald was born July 1, 1926, at St. Alexis Hospital, Bismarck, North Dakota, to Miles Dewey and Anna Lucilla (Lamb) Olson. Gerald grew up in Burleigh County, North Dakota. He attended grade school in Moffit and graduated from high school in Bismarck.

Gerald served in the Army as an MP while stationed in Germany where he remained until the end of World War II. Following his discharge from the military, Gerald attended college on the GI Bill and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Gerald returned to Moffit after graduating college and began working at the Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge where he remained until he retired. After retiring, he returned to the family farm where he raised Hereford cattle until 1998, when he moved to Moffit.  In 2000, Gerald moved to Miles City, Montana, to be closer to family.

Gerald was a life-long member of the Amelia Bailey United Methodist Church in Moffit to which he gave generously of his time and resources.

Gerald’s eldest niece began referring to him as “Baba” and it stuck. His siblings and nieces and nephew continue to call him Baba.  Baba enjoyed his years on the family farm.  Every cow, dog and cat had a name and each would come running when he called their name at mealtime.  Baba always made sure every niece and nephew was remembered on their respective birthdays and Christmas into adulthood. Baba enjoyed woodworking and designed, made and finished many “recipe boxes” and pieces of furniture for family and friends that are still treasured today.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to all of the Friendship Villa Care Center staff, Theresa in particular, for all of the kind, devoted, compassionate and tender care they provided Baba.

Baba was a member of the greatest generation and with his passing there is one less World War II Veteran. Baba was preceded in death by his parents, brother Keith D. Olson, brother-in-law William Trautman and nephew Greg A. Trautman. Baba is survived by his sister Delores L. [William] Trautman, of Miles City, brother Russell L. [Patti] Olson, of Hauula, Hawaii, sister-in-law Bonnie J. [Keith] Olson, of Spokane, Washington, and his nieces and nephew, Claudia A. [William] Warfield, of Livingston, Montana; Kim [Greg] Trautman, of Huntley, Montana; Robbin G. Olson, of Spokane, Washington; Mija L. [Ron] Nemec, of Miles City; Sean W. [Jill] Olson, of Alexandria, Virginia; Sonja Olson, of Dallas, Texas; Tanya [Josh] Frederick, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and numerous cousins all of whom were special to him.  At Baba’s request, cremation has taken place and services will be conducted on July 2, 2018, at the Amelia Bailey United Methodist Church in North Dakota.  Following the service, his remains will be interred at the Veterans’ Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota.  Condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Amelia Bailey United Methodist Church, 210 South Main Street, Moffit, ND 58560.

Service Schedule

Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

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