DELORES A. OLAFSON

In Loving Memory of Delores Olafson

A Life Well Lived

Delores Ann Olafson beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter and friend, went to her Heavenly home to be with the Lord on December 20, 2025. Delores passed peacefully surrounded by family at HIA Hospice Heather’s House in Fargo, ND. She was 87 years old.

Born June 18, 1938, in Marion, ND to Henry and Irene Opdahl of Litchville, ND. Delores graduated from Litchville High School in 1956. She went on to earn her business degree at Dakota Business College in Fargo, ND.

On March 30th, 1958, she married Dennis Olafson at First Lutheran Church in Litchville, ND. They lived in Fargo for a brief time and then moved to Cooperstown ND where they raised their three children.

Delores was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. She found her professional calling at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Cooperstown; however, she spent most of her career at the ASCS (Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service) Office working with area farmers, she loved her job and her co-workers. Many local farmers commented on what a wonderful, detailed job she did and enjoyed working with her. Her professional journey was marked by dedication and integrity.

Delores was a member of Trinity Lutheran church, where she dedicated time to teaching Sunday School and being part of Ladies Axillary. She enjoyed her ladies bowling league and was an avid golfer.

Delores’ family and friends were the cornerstone of her happiness. Mom, also known as Grandma D, had a gift for always making everyone feel so welcomed and well loved. She was so excited to have her family and friends in her home or in her beautiful backyard under her covered patio. She enjoyed growing beautiful flowers in her granddaughter Allison’s heart-shaped memorial garden. You would often find her swinging on her patio swing surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, her bird house collection and most importantly her people. Her children and grandchildren were her passion! We all enjoyed joining her for amazing homemade meals and baked goods (especially her renown chocolate chip cookies), ice cream, or a cool drink. Delores was always up for trying anything and was so much fun. She enjoyed our annual Cooperstown golf course mother/daughter/granddaughter ladies golf tournament (along with the crazy shirts and shenanigans), shopping excursions, boating, and floating at the lake, crafting, playing with and attending all activities with the grandkids and great grandkids she could get to. She also had a wonderful group of lifelong coffee friends that she valued immensely.

Above all her family will remember her for always showing up and being there for every moment that mattered. Her laughter and smile will always be etched in our minds and hearts. She has instilled strong values, a strong work ethic, shown us how to love and be loved, the importance of family and people, and family traditions that will continue to shape our families’ lives for generations to come. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Thank you, mom (grandma D)- we love you forever to the moon and back!

Delores is survived by her son Steven (Lynette) Olafson of Dickinson, ND; daughter Sandra (David) Black of Arden Hills, MN, and daughter Jody (James) Hoffman of Moorhead, MN. Grandchildren Jennifer (Jayme) Gronneberg, Grant (Lindsey) Vigesaa, Lauren Hoffman, Michael (Jessica) Olafson, and Katie Olafson. Great grandchildren Stella and Grayden Gronneberg; Bronson, Liam, Ava, and Beckham Vigesaa; Evan, Aedian, Laithyn, Josiah, Eden, Isaiah, and Samuel Olafson; Meanda and Kasen Rickford. Sister in-law Sharon Opdahl and JoAnn Schiffner; Brother in-law Terrance Olafson; and many nieces and nephews.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Irene Opdahl; sister Arlene and brother in-law Curtis Kraft; brother Harlen Opdahl, parents in-law George and Alma Olafson, daughter-in-law Jane Olafson, sister in-law Joyce Olafson, brother in-law Leslie Olafson and granddaughters Allison Vigesaa and Sophia Gronneberg.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cooperstown, ND; visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will be determined in the Spring.