Gerald Olson

On the evening of April 28, 2016 our loving husband and father, Gerald (Jerry) Vernon Olson, passed peacefully away as the room the Lord had been preparing for him was finally ready. Jerry was a well-loved Valentine's Day baby, born February 14, 1950 in Paris, MI to Vernon and Edna Olson. Jerry was the oldest of three boys and one girl, who all grew up playing and working on the family dairy farm. He loved Michigan so much that he stayed and attended college at Ferris State University. However, before graduating he took a break and joined the United States Air Force. He was based at Ellsworth Air Force Base, where he was a veterinary specialist. Jerry was honorably discharged after serving his four years, at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon his return home he went back to Ferris State and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science. Also upon his return he also met Kathleen Smith, who he married in 1976. The two of them then relocated to Gillette, WY where Jerry landed a job with the Food Inspection Services for the State of Wyoming. After a year this took them to Sheridan, WY, where they had two children, Brandy and Alec. Jerry and Kathleen divorced in 1994 but he continued his employment as a Health and Safety Inspector there for over 30 years, retiring in 2005. In 2003, his job brought him to inspect the KOA campground in Sheridan and crossing his path was Peggy Armstrong, who worked at the KOA Home Office in Billings, MT. This ended up being his best inspection to date. These two crazy kids spent the next year and half driving back and forth between Billings and Sheridan before Jerry retired. His retirement brought a new adventure as he packed up and moved to Billings to be closer to his “Peach Blossom.” Being together in the same place allowed Peggy to open up Jerry's eyes to a whole new world of fun and exciting experiences. This included driving in parades with “fun” hats, volunteering for all KOA events, especially the sucker pull at Saturday Live, going to concerts and shows and eventually taking Jerry to Disneyland for the first time. To the outside observer, Jerry may have seemed quiet, but he appreciated being “dragged” to every escapade that Peggy thought the two of them could enjoy. Trips to Sheridan did not stop when Jerry relocated. In 2006 Brandy welcomed her daughter Liliana, followed by Quinn in 2009. Jerry and Peggy spent many weekends going down to see the girls and spending time with them on special occasions. Jerry loved being a grandpa to them, and Peggy loved having more little girls to spoil. Jerry also became a “special” dad to Peggy's daughters, C.J. and Joey. His love for them was always known and never made them feel as if they were his “step” kids. He also was an amazing grandpa to C.J.'s daughter, Jordyn. He supported all them, with so many things, even sitting quietly when the Armstrong girls would have some of their lively discussions. His Catholic faith was ever present in his gentle spirit and generosity to everyone, especially children and animals. Special thanks to Riverstone Health Hospice Services for their wonderful care, especially Nichole, who made the two months easier with her great smile. Also thanks to Interim Healthcare, and the wonderful women who came and sat with Jerry. Jerry is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughter, Brandy (Mike) – granddaughters, Lily and Quinn; step daughters C.J. and Joey; and granddaughter Jordyn; his mother, Edna Olson; brother Dale (Vicky); sister Marsha Fry. Preceding him in death are his father Vernon Olson; brother Robert; son, Alec and his special cat, Dickens. A Vigil Service will be 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 2 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Pius X Catholic Church.