Gerald Olson

Gerald "Jerry" Lloyd Olson, son of Joe and Katie (Foster) Olson, was born on November 9, 1928 in Moose Lake, MN. He attended grade school in Moose Lake and High School in Willow River. He received his LPN training at the Moose Lake State Hospital. Jerry was a United States Army veteran, serving in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1953. In October of 1959, Jerry was united in marriage to Ruth Adams at the Moose Lake Methodist Church. This union was blessed with a daughter, Stephanie. Ruth passed away in December of 1966. Jerry married Bernita Snyder on December 30, 1967 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. This union was blessed with a son, Rodney. Jerry lived in Moose Lake and the surrounding area. He first worked as a farmer. Jerry began working at the Moose Lake State Hospital in 1958. He transferred to the Rochester State Hospital in 1973. Jerry and Bernita moved to Hancock and operated the Shady Lawn Boarding Home from 1978 to 1984. They then did Adult Foster Home Care until 2001, when he retired. Jerry was a member of the Alberta Church of the Nazarene in Alberta. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, reading, cryptograms and farming. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.



Jerry passed away on Friday, June 2, 2006 at the SCMC Courage Cottage in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 77 years.



He is survived by his wife: Bernita Olson of Hancock; one daughter: Stephanie (Scott) Poe of Bartlesville, OK; one son: Rod (Shari) Olson of Morris; three grandchildren: Jeff (Becky) Poe, Laura Poe and Jeslyn Olson; two brothers: Glen (Gloria) Olson of Sturgeon Lake and John (LuAnn) Olson of Barnum; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Joe and Katie; first wife: Ruth Adams; brothers: Earl, Don, Dick and Bernard Olson.



Pallbearers will be Rich Friesen, Jeff Poe, Alan Charles, Harold Charles, Zip Bell, and Tom Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry's grandchildren: Laura Poe, Becky Poe, Jeslyn Olson and all those that called him friend. Lois Strei will serve as organist with Gary Strei serving as song leader. Lois and Gary Strei and Amanda Varnum will also provide special music. Pedersen Funeral Home of Morris is in charge of arrangements.