Darcy K. Olson Sr., of Devils Lake, N.D., died at age 78 on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at his home with his family at his side.
According to his obituary on the Gilbertson Funeral Home website, Olson was born on Dec. 23, 1947, in the Maddock area to Stanton and Elma (Stenerodden) Olson. In 1955, the family moved to Devils Lake. Olson graduated from Devils Lake High School with the Class of 1966.
On Feb. 14, 1969, Darcy married Dorothea “Chico” Olson. Later in life, the couple enjoyed regular date nights, often consisting of dinner out and a few games of bar bingo.
Olson worked in construction for many years, finishing his career with Tri-Quality Construction. He loved working with his hands and had a remarkable ability to solve almost any problem. Persistent and determined, he never wanted to quit what he started. His work was always completed with honesty, integrity, and pride.
Olson was a confirmed member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles since 1977. When time allowed, he was an avid reader of all genres, especially westerns. He collected and read more than 200 novels by North Dakota-born author Louis L’Amour. He enjoyed organizing, fixing, and repairing anything that needed attention.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Olson raised horses and took great pride in the process. One of his greatest joys was waking up to find a new colt in the pasture.
The moments that meant the most to Olson were those spent with his family. His granddaughters brought him immeasurable joy, and he never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was of their accomplishments. His love, guidance, and steady presence will be cherished forever.
Olson is survived by his wife, Dorothea; his son, Darcy (Laura) Olson Jr. of West Fargo, N.D.; and his beloved granddaughters, Ashlynn and Emmy Olson. He is also survived by his sisters, Vicki Lampman of Muskegon, Michigan; Valerie Skadsem of Devils Lake, N.D.; Beth (Patrick) Corbitt of Littleton, Colorado; Sheila (Russ) Moen of Devils Lake, N.D.; Candice (Glenn) Phillips of McVille, N.D.; Denise Faith of Everett, Wash.; Monica (Eldridge) Anderson of Ithaca, N.Y.; and Shurette (John) Reither of Castle Rock, Colo. He is further survived by his brothers, Sheldon (Marg) Olson of Pahrump, Nev., and James (Vicky) Olson of Lakota, N.D.
Darcy was preceded in death by his father, Stanton Olson; his mother, Elma Olson; his brothers, Gary and David Olson; and in-laws, Pete and Dorothy Dauphinais.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home in Devils Lake on Thursday, July 9, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral services for Darcy will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. Food and fellowship will follow the service at the Ruger Park picnic shelter in Devils Lake. Urn bearers will be his granddaughters, Ashlynn and Emmy.