Vernard “Swede” Olek
Mark Gilliam brings a decade of experience in business reporting to Fargo Current, previously writing for the Grand Forks Herald. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota and specializes in local economic trends and business development.
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For those unable to attend, virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting the Livestream icon below Vernard’s obituary. Vernard “Swede” Olek, 86, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in the Linden at Eventide in Moorhead. Vernard “Swede” Clarence Olek was born on July 26, 1940, in Ada, MN to Oscar and Helen (Flynn) Olek. Vernard attended country school, then Felton Elementary and High School, where he was an avid athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated in 1958 and attended North Dakota Agriculture College in Fargo for one year. Vernard met his wife, Rose Helen (Jereszek) in high school, growing up a mile apart, on their family farms. He married her on April 8, 1961, and they celebrated 63 years of marriage together. They raised 5 children in Felton, MN, and in 2007, moved off the farm to Moorhead, MN. He was a hard-working man who raised dairy cattle while farming with his father and eventually his sons. In addition to this, he also