Raymond Olzweski

Raymond Olzweski, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home in rural Center, ND, on March 28, 2024.  

If you knew him, you knew Raymond had an uncanny ability to work with livestock, specifically cattle.  He could tell you which one was sick, lame, or going into labor just by looking at them.   It was amazing to witness.  Being a cattleman was in his blood.  They knew him by name at Kist Livestock where he was affectionately known as “OJ” because his name was hard to pronounce and how his signature looked.  You could find him at Kist almost every Wednesday on sale day.    He was the one everyone went to to get things done.  He could build or fix almost anything, usually using duct tape and or barbwire.  Fixing fence was an area of his expertise and making gates that always needed to be closed were his specialty.  His perseverance, tenacity, loyalty, and compassion will always be remembered.   His never quit attitude continued until the very end. He will be remembered as a dedicated husband and father that always put his family’s needs ahead of his own.  Raymond would help anyone at any time and not expect anything in return.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathy Olzweski; daughter, Sandy Summa; son, Joey Olzweski; grandson, Jacob Isamov; brothers, Robert (Patty) Olzweski, Joe Olzweski, Leroy Olzweski, and Tommy Olzweski; sister, Alice Olzweski; sister-in-law, Judy Olzweski, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews.   

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Barbara Olzweski; brothers, Norman and Jimmy Olzweski; sister, Vonnie (Bud) Ortigies; sisters-in-law, Sally Olzweski, Brenda Olzweski, and Colleen Schaff; father-in-law, Joe Schaff; and nephew, Trenton Repnow.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held.