Gerald Olson

Gerald J. “Jerry” Olson, 80, Burnsville, Minn., passed away on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at the VA Health Care System in Minneapolis, Minn., surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greenwood. Pastor Elizabeth Bier will officiate and burial of cremains will follow in the Greenwood City Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Greenwood American Legion Post #238. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 12 p.m. until the time of the service.

Gerald John Olson was born on Jan. 1, 1943, in Greenwood, to Daniel F. and Alice R. (Wendt) Olson. He was raised on the family farm, and received his education in Greenwood, graduating from Greenwood High School in 1961. After high school, Jerry enlisted into the U.S. Air Force on March 27, 1962, and served until his honorable discharge on Sept. 3, 1965. He resided in Minnesota, where he worked for Minnesota Bakers Corporation, in Edina; Bandag Tire Company; and was a custodian for the Veterans Administration for 30 years, retiring in 2010.

Jerry was a very active member of the United Church of Christ in Minneapolis, was a motivational speaker, and loved playing drums for his church, at area nursing homes and at the VA. He was known by all as Drummer Jerry.

He is survived by four siblings: Duane (Donna) Olson, Dick (Margie) Olson, Diane (Wayne) Nielsen, all of Greenwood, and Sandy (Kenneth) Shields of Rockwall, Texas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and his stepfather: Arnold Dehne. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.

PAID OBITUARY 133497