Erling Olstad lived in the Litchville area, and his wife, the former Verna Olson, lived in the Hastings area. After their marriage in 1940, they lived in Rosebud Township until 1955, when they purchased their own farm in Spring Creek Township, Section 34, where they still reside.

Both Erling's parents, Nels and Laura Olstad, came to this country as young adults and settled in the Litchville area. Laura spent one year in the Fort Ransom area before coming to Litchville. Nels passed away in 1937. Laura now resides at Sheyenne Manor in Valley City.

Verna's parents, Oliver and Claudine Olson, homesteaded in the Hastings area, coming from Iowa. Oliver passed away in 1944. Claudine lives on the farm that Oliver homesteaded.

Erling and Verna have three sons; Gale, Gary and Denis. Gale lives in Valley City. He married the former Betty Jewett, and they have five children; Brenda, Bruse, Susan, Michael and Steven. Gary lives at Devils Lake. He married Kay Nelson of Mayville. They have three sons; Ricky, Chad and Shane. Denis lives at West Fargo. He married Shirley Norman of Hawley, Minnesota. They have two daughters; Dena and Traecy.

Erling and Verna are members of First Lutheran Church of Litchville. Verna is also a member of the American Lutheran Church Women. They are Farmers Union members, and members of the Sons of Norway Lodge of Valley City. Verna is a member of the Litchville Homemakers of which she is the President. She is also the Spring Creek Township assessor. Erling and Verna are members of the Good Sam Camping Club and enjoy very much their camping trips. Erling likes to hunt and has good hunting trips with his sons. Erling and Verna took a tour of the Hawaiian Islands last January, going with 7 other couples from Litchville.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 188