Obituary for Olen Sivert Raisland
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, we unexpectedly lost Olen. He was doing what he loved, tending to the animals on the ranch. Olen was born August 30, 1958, as the 6th of 8 children to Ben and Edna (Nygaard) Raisland. He spent the first part of his life north of Reed Point, on a ranch that he dreamt of owning one day. The family later moved to Big Timber, where Olen attended Sweet Grass County Schools and where he met many of his lifelong friends. In 1981, he met the Grey Cliff schoolteacher, Bobbi, and fell in love with her. They married soon after. In 1983, they were able to move out to the Reed Point ranch and start making it their own and making many memories. They welcomed their first son Chad, then second son Caleb, and lastly daughter Cedar. Olen took immense pride in being able to raise their 3 children on the ranch he loved so much. In 1992, his dream came true when he and Bobbi were able to purchase his childhood ranch.
Olen accomplished many things in his lifetime. He mastered the art of shearing sheep at an early age. His skills took him all over the state, meeting many people along the way. There was not a place he could go without knowing someone or making a new friend. He was still shearing sheep this year. He spent over 20 years in the National Guard and achieved the highest rank of 1st Sargent of the Tank Company in Great Falls. He was honorably discharged in 2018. Olen worked at the Stillwater Mine for 19 years before he “retired.” He worked with many people and always had good stories to share about his coworkers. He also bonded with many while playing a game of cribbage.
After retirement, Olen continued to thrive on the ranch. He loved tending to the animals and farming and always had something to do. Olen and Bobbi went on many trips and new adventures, including going to Norway to see where his grandparents grew up. He enjoyed playing pinocle with his kids, family, or company. Olen was one of the best grandpas there could be. Whether he was taking kids hunting, side-by-side rides, saddling up the horses, rough housing and tickling them, or giving shoulder rides, he was adored by all his grandchildren, Seth Kornick, Kaden Kornick, Hadley Richards, Quinntyn Richards, Averie Richards, Branch Raisland, Ryker Richards, and Hazel Raisland.
Olen was one of the hardest working, most down to earth, willing to give a helping hand, funny, friendly, and loving guy out there. He will be incredibly missed by his family and by all the people in his life that had the honor of knowing him.
A celebration of his life will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday April 24, 2024 at the Raisland Ranch, located at 468 East Shanks Basin Road, Reed Point, MT 59069
Memorials in Olen’s name may be made to the Montana Wool Growers Educational and Resource Endowment Fund, C/O Montana Wool Growers Association, PO Box 1693, Helena, MT 59624 or a charity of your choice.
To leave condolences for the family please visit www.stenbergfuneralhome.com
To plant a tree in memory of Olen Sivert Raisland, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Celebration of Life
Wednesday
24
Apr
11:00 AM
- 12:30 PM
Raisland Ranch
468 East Shanks Basin Road
Reed Point, MT 59069
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