Allen Ingvar "Al" Olson

Allen I. Olson, husband, father/grandfather, loyal friend, former Governor and Attorney General of the Great State of North Dakota and follower of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 26, at age 87, after spending loving time with his entire family. His warmth and servants' heart was a constant gift to all throughout Al's life both privately and publicly.

"Al" was born November 5, 1938, in Rolla, ND, to Elmer and Olga Olson. He was raised on a farm near the small town of Sarles, ND, 40 miles from the Canadian Border. Al's Dad was known as the "Flying Farmer", flying a single engine aircraft everywhere which was unique in the 1940's.

An only child living on the farm, Al lost his mother to cancer when he was 5 years old. His closeness to his father grew as they worked the farm together and while he attended school in Sarles. Much to his chagrin, he played basketball in High School and graduated in a class of nine students in 1956. Al was an avid reader which continued throughout his life.

After high school, Al attended The University of North Dakota, was a member of the Lambda Chi Beta fraternity and earned his undergraduate and law degree, graduating in 1963. Al served in the U.S. Army as a lawyer in the JAG Corps, stationed in Munich, Germany.

Al met Barbie Benner while he was attending UND. They reacquainted by a mutual friend while both living and working in the Washington, D.C. area. They were married in August 1964 and moved to Munich, Germany where Al was stationed. Upon the death of his father, Barb and Al returned to North Dakota.

Together, Al and Barb raised their three children in Bismarck, while working and serving the state of North Dakota. Al loved serving the citizens of North Dakota as much as he loved supporting Barb in her unwavering love of dogs and support of dog rescue organizations. Al's other hobbies included running, racquetball and a love of golf, which was his true joy and created fond memories and deep friendships throughout the years.

Al's civilian career began as assistant director of the ND Legislative Research Committee (Legislative Council.) He worked as an attorney with the Conmy Law Firm in Bismarck before running for attorney general in 1972 and serving two terms at a job he truly loved. In 1980, Al ran for governor of ND and was sworn in as the 28th Governor of ND in January 1981.( Al's grandfather, Martin C. Olson, had been a House Member of the ND Legislature in the mid 1920's.)

As governor, Al worked against drunken driving, supported the ND Garrison Diversion irrigation program, helped create gambling regulations for ND and oversaw the creation of North Dakota's Department of Human Services, considerable accomplishments for a single term of office that still benefit the state today. He never took politics personally and maintained friendships he gained as a ND leader throughout his entire life.

After serving as governor, he and Barb relocated to Minnesota, where Al was a member on many boards and lead the Association of Independent Community Bankers of MN which harkened back to his love of small community. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to the International Joint Commission on Shared Waterways with Canada and which he greatly enjoyed. Al also spent many years in MN continuing his love of golf as a member of Hazeltine National Golf Course. Al and Barb were able to enjoy all of the major tournaments played over the years at Hazeltine.

Al was a proud North Dakotan, UND alumnus, family man, U.S. Army veteran, and thoughtful leader. He upheld the principles of integrity, duty, and service throughout his life and career and his legacy will endure with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life and leadership. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Al is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Benner Olson, their three children; Kristin (Todd) Jackson of Tonka Bay, MN and grandchildren, Lily (Luke) Loheit and Ben; Robin (Chad) Pointer of Dripping Springs, TX and grandchildren, Matt, Ellie and Tommy and Craig (Cari) Olson of Sioux Falls, SD and grandchildren, Anna (fiancé Aiden Zimmer) and Jayden (Marcelle) Sonnenburg. Al was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws and many other loving family members and friends.

A celebration of Al Olson's life will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Rd., Edina, MN on Thursday, January 22 at 2PM. Burial to follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Spring 2026.

Memorials are gratefully referred to the Al Olson Memorial at the UND Foundation, 3501 University Ave., Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND, 58202-8157 or at undalumni.org.