Archie Olerud

August 21, 1921 - June 18, 2012

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Archie M. Olerud, 90, Fargo formerly Kindred, N.D., passed away Monday, June 18, 2012 at Sanford Health, Fargo.

Archie was born August 21, 1921 near Kindred, N.D., to Christian and Caroline (Egge) Olerud. Archie attended Lakeside and Consolidated Schools before going to work on the family and neighboring farms. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and served his country in World War II as a tank driver with the 763^rd Tank Battalion, serving on the Pacific Front at Okinawa and Leyte Gulf.

After being discharged in 1945, Archie returned to the family farm near Kindred. He married Grace Bakko on July 10, 1948, at Walcott Lutheran Church. To this union, two children were born, Steven and Susan.  He was a life-long member of Norman Lutheran Church. 

Archie farmed for 41 years, retiring in 1986.  In their spare time, Archie and Grace enjoyed going to dances, visiting and playing cards with family and friends, and traveling.  They traveled across the country in their camper visiting relatives and exploring sights in 48 states.  They especially enjoyed attending reunions of the 763^rd Tank Battalion.  Archie was a member of the Eagles, Sons of Norway, American Legion and VFW.

Archie was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; parents, Christian and Caroline, four brothers:  Chester, Gayler, Carl and Edwin; three sisters:  Hazel, Lorraine and Leona.

Surviving him are his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Cheri Olerud of Maple Grove, MN, daughter and son-in-law Susan and Dean Boreen of Fargo, and grandchildren:  Shelly Gunderson, Christian, Carlon and Ruby Olerud,  sister, Ethel Spelhaug, Wahpeton,  sisters-in-law, Henriette Nelson, Fargo, Cordy Farsdale, Walcott, Bernice Nipstad, San Juan Capistrano, CA, Ruth Bakko, Fargo;  and special friend Dorothy Kellerman.

Archie’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Sanford and Eventide/The Fairmont for their continued care during Archie’s stay.