Jerome “Jerry” Allen Olson Age 88, of Rice Lake, WI, died Friday, January 5, 2024 in Rice Lake.

Jerry was born on April 2nd, 1935 in Prairie Farm, WI to Henry and Alice Olson.

Jerry grew up on a farm within the city limits in Barron, WI. That farm is now the Rolling Oaks Golf Course. Jerry graduated from Barron High School in 1953. Jerry was married on August 6th, 1955 to his high school sweetheart Shirley Strickland. They were married for 68 years. Jerry and Shirley lived in Barron for 3 years where Jeff was born. In 1958 Jerry and Shirley purchased the farm called Scenic View Acres. In the early years Jerry worked for Voelker Electric, the Rice Lake High School, and UW Barron County Campus. Jerry worked in maintenance at all these places because Jerry could fix anything. Jerry and Shirley raised beef cattle and eventually Jerry and Shirley went into full time dairy farming. In 2006 they sold the farm and built their dream place in the woods. Never fully retiring, Jerry started working for Smith’s school bus garage and thoroughly enjoyed driving the kids. Jerry also volunteered putting in Life Lines for the patients through the Marshfield clinic for 17 years. Jerry and Shirley delivered RV’s for several years and got to travel the country together. They enjoyed all their travels and got to see the entire United States. Jerry was an avid blood donor. He enjoyed volunteering for 4-H, being active in the Methodist Church, playing cards, dart balls, square dancing and working at the Pioneer Museum. Jerry was a German Norwegian and some of his favorite foods were lutefisk and lefsa. Jerry had the ability to talk to anyone. There were no strangers, just someone to start up a conversation with. Jerry was a devoted husband to Shirley and cherished all his children.

Jerry is survived by his beautiful wife, Shirley Olson; three children, Jeff (Laurie) Olson, Robin (Jim) Nelson, and Sheri (Lauren) Stoffregen-Sawatzky; blessed with 6 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren with another one expected in April. They were his pride and joy.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Alice Olson, Two brothers, Bob Olson and Laverne Olson and one sister Inez Pedersen. A Son-in-Law, Dan Stoffregen, Brothers-in-Law Merlin Gardner, Keith Elledge, Gene Strickland, Howard Gilbertson, and Chester Pedersen. Sisters-in-Law Madge Olson, Bev Elledge, and Marilyn Gardner- Gilbertson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Jess De Los Santos officiating, with interment in Swede Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the Church prior to the service. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

Last Update: Jan 06, 2024 6:04 pm CST