ELVIRA D. OLSTAD

Elvira DeEtta Olstad Elvira D Olstad, 79, of Hope ND passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, at Lutheran Memorial Home, Mayville, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Elvira DeEtta Clausen Giortz was born November 16, 1935 in Los Angeles, CA to Victor and Beatrice (McGahey) Clausen Giortz. She grew up in Los Angeles where she followed her dream of becoming an RN, graduating from the Hospital of the Good Samaritan, and continuing to work there as a surgical nurse. Elvira married the love of her life, John Arland Olstad, on November 3, 1956 in Los Angles. Elvira met John while he was stationed at Camp Pendleton and after his discharge; he moved his bride and lifelong companion back to the Hope/Galesburg area where they raised 3 children. Elvira’s passion was always family, farming and caring for others. Elvira worked as an RN at the local Hospital and Retirement Homes during the summers, taking her family to LA during the ND winters for several years. Once school began for the children, Elvira, employed at the Tri County Nursing Home embraced her career, working as an RN there for 37 years before retiring; the staff and residents were treated like a second family by her. Elvira loved to cook, bake and fed anyone whether on the farm, or at the nursing home. She also enjoyed her animals and taking care of her rose garden. After her retirement she was diagnosed with dementia, this gradually narrowed her world, eventually leaving her homebound. Due to other health issues and later being diagnosed with cancer, she came under the care of Hospice in January of 2015 and was taken into the Luther Memorial Home for a brief stay before her passing. We are so thankful for all the thoughts, prayers and support from family and friends also the wonderful people at Hospice, Sanford Mayville and the Lutheran Memorial Home who cared for her when we could no longer do so. Elvira is survived by her loving husband, John, Hope; her 3 children, Gail Olstad, Galesburg; Robert Olstad, Galesburg; Nancy Olstad (Brad Saxerud), Fargo; 2 grandchildren, Jake (Mandy) Olstad, Hope; Parker Olstad, Galesburg; 2 great-grandchildren; Jaxen Olstad & Raven Olstad She was preceded in death by her parents, and one grandchild; Nicole Olstad In lieu of flowers memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Luther Memorial Home are preferred. Memorial Services will be Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 10:00 am in the Elm River Lutheran Church in Galesburg, ND. Visitation will be one hour before services in the Church.