Obituary of Jerald Carmen Olson

Jerald ‘Jerry’ Carmen Olson, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 18, 2021, surrounded by family in Burnsville, MN. Jerry grew up in Souris, North Dakota, the son of Henry ‘Hank’ and Oline Olson. He graduated from Souris High School and while attending Minot State University, he met his first wife, Barbara Rhoads. After pursuing a degree in accounting, he started working at Westland Oil. Their first child was born and three years later he went to work at Farmers Union Oil in Ellendale, North Dakota. In 1966, they moved to the Twin Cities and had two more children. He continued working at Farmers Union Oil Company as an assistant manager for another 22 years. Subsequent jobs included management positions at Alamo Rent a Car, Fleet Farm and finally as a driver with the Manheim Auto Auction. Jerry actively volunteered in his community through his church, Jaycees, and Kiwanis. Even with work and volunteering, he still found time to eagerly participate in his children’s lives. He coached little league baseball, youth hockey, and attended numerous dance performances. Family was important to Jerry; he always made time to return to North Dakota to visit relatives. In 2006, he met his significant other, Florence Hollerud. Together, they enjoyed bike riding, boating, fishing, and spending time with family. Jerry is survived by his life companion: Florence Hollerud; his children: Mandy (Tom) Urness, Mark (Carla) Olson, Marri (Todd) Sczepanski; grandchildren: Annie (Darrick) Allen, Nicole (Jerry) Becker, Ashley Olson, Isaac Sczepanski: great-grandchildren: Sadie Allen, David Becker; and Florence’s children: Julie (Mike) Crank, Chris Pommerenke, and grandson Eric Ziegler; former wife, Barbara Abrahamson, siblings, Dennis (Connie) Olson and Marlys (Dave) Coonrod. Preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles. A private memorial service will be held with family at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, Edina