Olav "Ole" Aarsvold

Educator. Farmer. Politician. Advocate. Sweater icon. Husband. Dad. Cousin. Uncle. Grandpa. Great grandpa.

Kind. Patient. Generous. Loyal. Compassionate. Wise. Caring. Intellectual. Honest. Empathetic.

These are just a few of the words that capture the many hats worn by Olav “Ole” Lyle Aarsvold, 84, of Blanchard, North Dakota, who passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025 surrounded by family.

Ole was born on November 6, 1940, in Mayville, North Dakota to Olav and Viola Aarsvold. He graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1958 and married Marilyn Haugen on September 1, 1962. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from Mayville State University in 1963 and a Master of Science from the University of North Dakota in 1967. He pursued doctoral studies at UND but often said that not completing his dissertation was one of his few regrets in a life otherwise marked by achievement and love.

In high school, Ole aspired to be a teacher, farmer or pastor. Over the course of his life, he fulfilled two of those callings. He valued and advocated for the importance of a good education. He served as a teacher and an administrator and worked at both high school and collegiate levels. He returned to his family farm when his parents were tragically killed in a boat accident on Lake of the Woods and he stated that was the best career decision he ever made.

A lifelong public servant, Ole represented North Dakota’s 20th legislative district as a Democrat in the State House from 1989 to 2008. His first election resulted in a recount where he won by just a few votes. Ole cared about solving problems and representing his people; he was well respected on both sides of the aisle. Ole was deeply involved in his community, often advocating for those who needed a voice. He served on numerous boards and committees with some of the most prominent being the director of the Traill County Farmers Union, treasurer of Blanchard Lutheran Church, director of Red River Human Services, a member of the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education and a member of the school board.

He treasured and prioritized spending time with family, rarely missing his grandchildren’s sports and performances. Together, they frequented The Pizza Shop for many of life's milestones and celebrations. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips across the country and into Canada, with Alaska and Colorado being among his favorites. He especially cherished hunting in Western North Dakota with his dad and later sharing the same experiences with his sons and grandsons. When Ole wasn’t working, he could always be found at a sporting event, whether in the stands or watching from home, with a Diet Coke in hand. He was not only a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins, Mayville State Comets, UND Sioux, F-M Redhawks and Minnesota Vikings (unfortunately), but also of every team his children and grandchildren ever suited up for.

He leaves behind his wife of almost 63 years, Marilyn (Haugen) Aarsvold; his sister, Elizabeth (Aarsvold) Dresselhaus; his children Jon (Michelle) Aarsvold, Bruce (Cheryl) Aarsvold, and Julie (Mark) Hagen; and grandchildren Ashley, Megan, Amy, Jared, Amanda, Emily, Samantha, Jacob, and Alyssa who were his greatest treasures. His great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Madelyn, Savannah, Mason, Sinclair, Adam, Jackson, Cooper, Lila and August brought him so much joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olav and Viola (Sletten) Aarsvold; grandson Jon David Aarsvold; in-laws Oliver and Agnes (Brenden) Haugen; and brother-in-law Glenn Dresselhaus.

Visitation will take place from 5:00-6:00 pm on Friday, August 29th, 2025 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND with a public prayer service to follow at 6:00 pm.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 30th, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, ND with a visitation prior at 1:00 pm.

Burial will follow at 5:00 pm at the Mayville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials and donations be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Ole.

He is already deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and the legacy of his love, service, and steadfast presence will continue to guide his family and community for generations to come.