Gerald “Jerry” Olson

Gerald “Jerry” Lee Olson, age 83 of Redwood Falls, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at River Valley Health & Rehabilitation in Redwood Falls.  Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 24, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday.  Following a luncheon, an interment service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the MN State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls.  Memorials are preferred to CentraCare Redwood Hospice. 

Gerald was born July 23, 1939, to Frieda (Kraatz) Olson and Edward Olson. He grew up in Minneapolis with his brothers Deane and Alan, where he graduated from Patrick Henry High School. Shortly after school, Gerald joined the United States Navy (1957-1961), where he discovered his aptitude for electronics and process. Following the service, he studied electrical engineering at Dunwoody in Minneapolis. Jerry spent all 42 years of his career, applying his education and experience as a manufacturing and process engineer at the same company, (Control Data, Zytec, and Artesyn). His commitment extended to his church, where he supported the congregation for many years through his service as an usher. He met his wife Judy (Okerlund), of 59 years at Cedar Engineering in St. Louis Park. They married in 1964 and had their daughter Vicki in 1966. Jerry and Judy followed his job to Redwood Falls in 1975, where he finished his career. Jerry enjoyed vacationing with Judy on Lake Hubert in Nisswa for over 50 years. He liked fishing, playing mini-golf and working around the resort, which kept him busy. To Jerry, spending time with family and friends while golfing, fishing, and playing cards were some of his most cherished memories. He seldom missed an opportunity to join a family reunion, holiday event, birthday, or anything to do with one of his three grandchildren, Derek, Maria, and Tori. Jerry’s family would like to extend a special thank you to CentraCare-Redwood Area Hospice nurses and staff for their exceptional care.

Jerry is survived by his wife Judy (Olson); daughter Vicki (Chris) Bebeau; grandchildren: Derek (Alle) Bebeau, Maria (fiancé Ethan) Bebeau and Tori Bebeau; brothers: Deane (Kris) Olson and Alan (Denise) Olson; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Jerry is preceded in death by his mother, Frieda (Bernie) Hughes and father Edward Olson.