Former Gov. Allen Olson (R-ND) photo credit International Joint Commission
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – Former North Dakota Governor Allen Olson has died.
Olson, a Republican, served as attorney general from 1972 to 1980 before becoming the 28th governor from 1981 to 1984. Olson was born and raised on a farm in the northeastern part of the state. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Dakota. He later served in the army as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps lawyer and as Chief of Military Justice in Munich, Germany.
Olson returned to North Dakota in 1967 and became assistant director of what was formerly called the legislative Research Committee, now known as Legislative Council. Olson worked in that role until 1969, directing the state’s first study of strip mining, soil banks and land reclamation
When his term as governor ended in 1984, Olson returned to private practice and moved to the Twin Cities. he became co-owner of a die-casting company in New Hope, and also served as President and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota. Funeral arrangements are pending. Olson was 87.
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