Olson, Jerald M. age 72,
Jerry was born in Fargo, ND on January 22, 1942 and died at home in Cable, WI on April 28, 2014. He is preceded in death by parents M.D. (Bud) and Irma Olson and by son, Bradley. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sondra Millar Olson, children Stephen (Jana) Olson and Anne (Rich) Larson, and by grandchildren Sara and Katie Larson and Bennett and Ross Olson. He is also survived by his stepmom, Verna Kapaun Olson and step brothers and sister, Ron (Pam) Kapaun, Greg (Diane) Kapaun, Sheri (Denny) Engstrom, and Bruce Kapaun and their families, plus extended family and many friends. Jerry graduated from St. Louis Park HS in 1959 and the University of MN in 1963. He retired in 2002 after 30 years at General Electric both in Mpls and Phoenix, AZ. He and Sandy found their little slice of heaven in Cable where he quickly became friends with everyone in town. He loved to fish, read, travel, cook and do crosswords. He was known by many names, but his favorites were Ole da Norske, Big Jer, Tough Guy Marshmallow, and Grumpa. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 16 at 12:00 pm at Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave. Mpls. Memorials can be sent to Cable Natural History Museum, 13470 Cty Rd M, Cable, WI 54821 or donor's choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anderson-Nathan-Koerpel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Hayward, WI. Online condolences may be shared at www.andersonnathan.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 5, 2014
John Buan
Dear Mrs. Olson, Steve and Annie,
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Big Jer. His outsized personality and friendly handshake made him a joy to be around. I was not aware of his "Tough Guy Marshmallow" moniker, but it suits him to a "T". I consider Jer, one of my role models on how to be a dad. I know that all of Brad's friends thought the world of him, both as a dad and as a man. Tough, but with a sense of humor and abundance of love. Please know that many are thinking of you during this time of sorrow.
With my deepest sympathy,
John Buan, "Bu"
May 5, 2014
Dear Sandy and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am thankful for the visit we had in Az. and the time we spent at the lake in DL. We spent a lot of time together as kids and we loved having him as our cousin. He was a good man. Love to you all. Orlys Ness-Nilsen
May 3, 2014
Dear Sandy and family, Our heart felt condolances to all of you. We had so many wonderful times, in the Plymouth, MN neighborhood, when all the kids were growing up. Many memories of the dinner group.. hunting and fishing trips....and, of course, all the laughs we shared about those times. Jerry will be truly missed by any sports minded or outdoor enthusiast, as well. God Bless. Judy and Joel Ampe (St. Cloud, MN)
May 3, 2014
Mike Milde
My favorite memory of Jerry was from a family reunion at Leach Lake in 1957. My Dad had just bought his first new car, a 1957 Chevy, and he packed us all in and drove from New York that summer. When we arrived at Leach Lake, Jerry immediately took me under his wing and included me in his plans. I was ecstatic as he was 9 years older than I and seemed very grown up. Jerry had just gotten his drivers license and was always asking Uncle Bud if he could drive Uncle Bud's Buick. That car was a behemoth with huge chrome bumpers with cone-like projections slightly larger than the average ICBM. He finally convinced Uncle Bud that he should make a trip into town and asked me if I wanted to come along (of course I did). We climbed into the Buick and sank into the La-Z-Boys masquerading as front seats. With a flourish of misguided confidence, Jerry inserted the key into the ignition and awakened the beast. I was very excited. He selected reverse, and backed up with authority. There was a loud painful crunching sound. Jerry said nothing. The look on his face spoke volumes. We got out of the car and discovered that those two rocket nose cones on the back bumper had punched two quite symmetrical holes in the front grill of my Dad's new Chevy. Jerry stared at the carnage for quite some time before saying "I'm going to have to tell Dad". Frankly, I would have run far and fast, but not Jerry. I was amazed. We went into the cabin and Jerry announced (louder than I felt necessary) "Dad, I backed into Uncle Lane's car". The next few minutes are a blur, as I was a little light headed, but I remember thinking that Jerry, who was quite a bit taller than I, looked even taller.
Jerry was a good and honorable man even at a young age. I never forgot how he stepped up and took responsibility without hesitation, the mark of great character. He will be missed.
May 2, 2014
Rosemary Hill
Dear Sandy and family,
My memories of Jerry are all good ones, from my early childhood when my parents would visit Aunt Irma & Uncle Bud, and Jerry was tasked with entertaining me [Jerry was always kind to me, even though the last thing he probably wanted to do was look after his little girl cousin], to visits as an adult at a few family get-togethers, to the summer of 2012 when we were able to visit you both in Cable and enjoy an afternoon of laughter and reminiscing. It was my Dad's [Lane O. Milde] last trip; although Alzheimer's has diminished his memory, he hadn't forgotten Jerry and was very sad to learn of his death, as am I. He was a great guy.
love, Rosemary [Milde] Hill
May 1, 2014
Dear Sandy and family. May God grant you all peace and strength in the days to come. Jerry is in a better place, no more pain. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed and Mary Murnane
Kernersville, NC
May 1, 2014
Cathleen Argyle
Sandy and Family,
Although I didnt know Jerry all that well, only through family visits few and far between, I always found his sense of humor unique. Although I cant be there in person please know that Ray and Diane carry my condolances and hugs to you during this difficult time. Take Care. Cathleen Argyle.
May 1, 2014
Michael & Adelle Jacoby
Dear Sandy and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all for strength and God's peace at this difficult time. Cousin Jerry was a "bigger than life" kind of guy and we will miss him, but are grateful for all the wonderful memories we have to hold close to our hearts.
Our deepest Sympathy to you all,
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