Norman R. Olson passed away peacefully on the morning of December 4, 2019.
He was born on April 2, 1936 to Carl H. Olson and Ann B. Dusek in Lewistown, Montana where he grew up.
After graduating from High School in 1954, he joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict where he cooked excellent holiday meals for the officers.
Norman moved back to Lewistown in 1957, where he met his beautiful future wife, Nancy Wiedeman. They dated for a year when he asked for her hand in marriage in a private room at a romantic restaurant. On December 28, 1963 they got married at her grandparent’s home.
Norman joined the Montana Power Company working for over 35 years as the Supervisor of Procurement. The family moved from Lewistown with 3 kids in tow, to Butte, MT. After working in Butte for 2 years and another child, the family moved to Big Sky, MT where he decided to change jobs for a while. For five years, he helped develop the Big Sky Ski Resort.
Norman was asked to come back to M.P.C. after a position opened as a Procurement Supervisor in the development of plants 1&2. He loaded the family of six into the car for what would be their home for over 35 years. In Colstrip, Norm was involved and a member of the United Community Church of Colstrip, charter member of Loyal order of the Moose Lodge, and toastmasters international.
After the loss of his wife and failing health in 2008, he moved to Billings to be closer to his doctors, his daughter, her husband and grandkids. He enjoyed hours of Uno and being a part of their growing years. Eventually he moved to Highgate Assisted Living, where he lived for 3 ½ years. Although those years were tough for him, he loved the staff and became very close to many of them. He spent his final days at Legacy Assisted Living.
Norm loved golf, traveling, and more importantly his family.
Norman Olson is survived by his son, Kirk (Judy) Olson of Texas; daughter Kristi (Andrew) Rudolph of Billings; Family members; Janet and Grant Wacker, Rick and Terry Wiedeman, Paul Wiedeman, Tara Fuller, Caroline (Jetty) Dusek; grandchildren: Alex, Eryn, and Briana Rudolph, and Tristan Olson.
Norm is preceded in death by his parents, Carl H. Olson and Ann B. Dusek; brother, Donald Olson; loving wife, Nancy Olson (Wiedeman; daughter, Lisa A. Olson; son, Erik P. Olson.
Kim and Tony says
Rest easy Norm! You will be so missed but never forgotten! I will never forget you or your sincere friendship! Prayers to the family.
Jerry George says
I met Norm and his family while working the Colstrip Units 3 & 4 Project, all wonderful people. He left a positive and indelible impression on me as a young man that has proved beneficial throughout my life experience. I have remembered Norm often over these many years quoting pearls of wisdom I recall collecting from him.
Rest in peace Norm and thank you for the positive influence you provided during my days in Colstrip. You and your family have, and always will, remain in the best of my memories.
John Groom says
RIP My Friend. Condolences to the Family on the loss of a Wonderful Man..
Ed Bukoskey says
RIP Norm, I will never forget one of our MPC trips west. We stopped in Big Timber to play golf, great fun but you know Big Timber’s wind. Great times, great memories from Colstrip years. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Nick says
RIP old friend you will be truly missed and loved forever…loved your stories and will remember the times…rest easy my friend
Mercedes says
Norm was an amazing loving caring man he will surely be missed by many I’m very thankful an blessed I got to take care of him for as long as I did an known him for 3 he sure helped through alot an was the best love an miss you a tone Norm
Lynne Poindexter Bailey says
Rest In Peace, Norm. You were such a part of our early Big Sky years!
Georgia Moore says
Rest in peace, Norm. We spent all our years in Colstrip as your neighbor and enjoyed your company. your tales were always interesting ! Now you, Lisa and Nancy are having a wonderful reunion. Rest well my friend, you earned it.
Larry Hill says
I’m sorry we didn’t get together more during the past few years of our retirement. I often remember the day that Lisa passed. It was a really sad day for me because I didn’t know what to do or how to express my feelings about losing a daughter. Then Nancy’s service was one of the most eventful ceremonies I ever attended. I hope you are finally at peace. I became close to your family in the years we worked together and when our kids attended Nancy’s class. I know your service will be impressive also, with military honors. I’m sorry I can’t attend, as I’m not allowed to travel because of medical problems. My condolences go to Kristi and Kirk and your families.
donnie finnicum says
Thoughts and Prayer to Norm and his family . Donnie and Lori Finnicum
Shirlee Phillips says
I was so sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. I, along with many others from Highgate Senior Living, loved him and valued his friendship.
You are in my prayers. May you know how deeply loved you are
Shirlee Phillips
Sandy Teller says
Pete and Sandy Teller say:
As old neighbors and friends from the Colstrip days of Units 3 and 4, we are saddened to read of the passing of Norm, and wish the family members our sincerest sympathy for your loss. Reading the obituary and the lovely notes from friends, the memories of our two houses being back to back across a little “creek”, and our 3 year old son Doug, playing out in the back, in the snow, and a wonderful vegetable garden we enjoyed….all come flooding back! I taught school too and Pete was with Bechtel at the plant.
Mary Jo Crook says
Norman’s Family, Just wanted you to know we are thinking of you all in Norman’s passing. I grew up next door to his family as a kid. He was friends with my older brothers. In our home a lot. We saw him at Donnie’s graveside service. He was a special guy! We will miss him. Mary Jo Coolidge Crook & my husband Dwayne