After a valiant fight for two years against cancer Harriet died August 11, 2008 at the Nelson County Health System – Hospital in McVille , ND with her children Mary & Lyle by her side.

Harriet was born March 14, 1924 to Herbert and Lillian Johnson in Kloten , ND . She was baptized and confirmed at Valley Grove Lutheran Church . She graduated from Kloten High School in 1942. Harriet attended NDSU for elementary teacher certification and taught all 8 grades in a country schoolhouse west of Kloten. On May 17, 1942 Harriet married Milton I. Olson of rural Northwood , ND . They had 3 children, Mary, Gaylor and Lyle. For 57 ½ years of marriage they farmed west of Kloten. Milton and Harriet traveled throughout the United States , Canada , the Caribbean and Europe . Harriet was employed as an officer with the Bureau of Census, U. S. Department of Commerce for 10 years. Harriet loved growing beautiful flowers, vegetable gardening, reading extensively and music. She was a soloist at school, church and community events. Harriet was a lifelong member of Valley Grove Lutheran Church where she dedicated her service to all church projects.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Lillian (Olsgard) Johnson, her husband Milton, her son Gaylor and grandson Gregory.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Olson of Los Angeles, CA, her son Lyle (Jeanne) Olson of Culver, OR, 4 grandchildren, Kelly (Scott) Arntzen of Ferndale, WA, Eric Olson of Gillette WY, Dan (Juli) Olson of East Hampton, CT and Laura (Emlen) Hamilton of Arlington, VA, 5 great grandchildren, Dylan and Sydney Arntzen, Ruby and Cole Olson and Maya Hamilton.

Funeral services for Harriet will be Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 11:00 AM in Valley Grove Lutheran Church , Kloten , ND . Visitation will be Wednesday, August 13, 2008 from 4 PM to 6 PM with a private family service at 7 PM in the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home, McVille , ND and continue ½ hour prior to services in the church. Officiating will be Reverend Dale Peterson. Organist will be Robert Mickels. Soloist will be Luann Brooks. Interment will be in the Valley Grove Cemetery, Kloten, ND. Arrangements with the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home. Memorials are all preferred to the Nelson County Cancer Fund and the Nelson County Hospital in McVille.