North Dakota – Former North Dakota Governor Allen I. Olson, who served as the state’s 28th governor from 1981 to 1984 and as attorney general from 1972 to 1980, passed away Friday, Dec. 26, at age 87.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued a statement honoring Olson’s service, saying, “Governor Olson served North Dakota with dignity and a steady hand as our state’s top law enforcement officer and chief executive.

His dedication to the well-being of our citizens and his contributions to natural resources management brought lasting benefits to the people of North Dakota. Kjersti and I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family, friends and former colleagues throughout North Dakota.”

Born in Rolla and raised on a farm near Sarles, Olson earned undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Dakota. He served in the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps lawyer and as chief of military justice in Munich, Germany.

Returning to North Dakota in 1967, he served as assistant director of the Legislative Research Committee, directing studies on strip mining, soil banks, and land reclamation.

Olson entered private practice in 1969 before being elected attorney general in 1972 and re-elected in 1976. He won the governorship in 1980, serving one term.

During his tenure, he worked with the Task Force on Drunk Driving, supported the Garrison Diversion program, and oversaw the creation of the Department of Human Services and Cross Ranch State Park.

After leaving office, Olson returned to private practice and later relocated to Minnesota, where he co-owned a die-casting company in New Hope and served as president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota. He was also appointed by President George W. Bush to the International Joint Commission.