Gerald “Jerry” Olson, 78, spent New Year’s with Jesus after a month-long struggle with COVID-19. He passed away peacefully on December 31, 2020.
Jerry was born February 9, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN to Henry and Gladys Olson. He was the oldest of 4 children. He graduated from Vocational High School, in Minneapolis with a major in Printing.
Jerry married Nancy Nelson on June 5, 1965 in Hendrum, MN. After getting married, Jerry and his bride moved to CA and graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After graduating, the couple moved to Visalia in 1968 where Jerry began working at Jostens. In later years, he began a career as a salesman in specialty advertising where he met and maintained many business relationships as well as friendships.
In his retirement, Jerry enjoyed traveling in his motorhome with his wife of 55 years and was active in Heartland Motorhome Group as well as Fresno Floaters Motorhome Group. Jerry was also a member of Christian Motorcycle Association and enjoyed ministry and riding with this group for many years.
Jerry deeply loved the Lord as his Savior and spent many years involved with ministries as Neighborhood Church choir director, boys brigade leader and served as a deacon for many years. Currently, Jerry was attending Gateway Church as well as the Nazarene Church in Visalia.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Nancy Olson of Visalia, 3 sons; Scott (Sandy) Olson and Kevin (Robyn) Olson, both of Visalia and Ryan Olson of Tacoma, WA; 1 brother, Bruce (Linda) Olson of Buckley, WA; 2 sisters; Carolyn Hedges of Walla Walla, WA, and Doreen (Mike) Murray of Cedar Willow River, MN; 6 grandchildren; Matt, Erin and Ty Olson, Sydney, Owen and Reese Olson, all of
Visalia. He is preceeded in death by his parents, Henry and Gladys Olson and his first grandson, Andrew Christian Olson.
A Celebration of Jerrys life will be held on Friday, March 19th 3:00 P.M. at the Heart of the Valley Christian Fellowship, 2800 W. Walnut Ave., Visalia ( the old Neighborhood Church)
In lieu of flowers, donations of remembrance may be sent to the Visalia Rescue Mission, PO Box 109, Visalia, CA 93279-0109.
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