David O. Olstad, age 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis on Sunday, March 17, 2024. David was born on August 9, 1926, in Litchville, ND, to Nels and Laura (Hatren). He married Edith Mailloux in 1951 and together they had 6 children: Kathleen (Mark) Parsons, Rebecca (Brian) Racek, Diane (Pat) Maher, Larry, Julie (Ken) Banaszewski and Dale.
David a veteran of U.S. Army, served in World War II and Korean War. He worked for ConAgra Mill and retired after 38 years.
David was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather, known for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for his family. One of his favorite pastimes was waking the kids up at 4 am to go fishing. He enjoyed making backpacks for his children and going camping, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.
In 1963, David moved his family from the home he built in Valley City, ND to Hastings, MN as a transfer from Peavey to ConAgra Mill. He was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed making furniture in his shop. He crafted 28 roll-top desks, one for each member of the family, along with many other handmade pieces of furniture. David also had a passion for gardening, and together with Edith, they grew a variety of flowers and vegetables.
David and Edith loved to travel exploring the country as long as it was on wheels. Later in life, he devoted his time to caring for his wife as she battled cancer and took care of his son’s needs.
David is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Edith, and his sons Larry and Dale. He is survived by his children, Kathleen (Mark) Parsons, Rebecca (Brian) Racek, Diane (Patrick) Maher, and Julie (Ken) Banaszewski; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and his sister Ethel Hansen. Many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He had a special relationship with his twin brother, Daniel’s children; Janet Olstad, Curtis Olstad, and James Olstad.
Arrangements are being handled by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, located at 3075 Vermillion St. Hastings, MN 55033. Services to commemorate his life will be scheduled at a later date with committal at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Minnesota Veterans Home Family Council-Minneapolis, 5191 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
