Jerry Donald Olson, 78, of Monroe Center, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on September 14th, 2021.
Jerry was born December 3rd, 1942 to Ivan & Rose (Roberts) Olson. He shared a wonderful childhood with brother Leroy and sister Pat on their family farm. After graduating from Adams-Friendship High School in 1961, he excelled as a sharpshooter in the National Guard Special Forces.
A gifted master carpenter, union millwright, and owner of several small businesses, Jerry could do anything he set his mind to. He spoke often of the importance of mindset & determination.
He married the love of his life, Patricia (Pototsky), on April 21st, 1979. Together, they raised a blended family and carved out a unique life. After renovating a bread truck into an RV, the family explored the Rocky Mountains for several years before settling back in Ladysmith WI. In 1988, Jerry & Patricia decided to return to his roots and build their dream home next door to his parents. On January 30th, 1991, Jerry saved his wife and daughters from a fire that destroyed this new home. He never forgot the kindness of family, friends, neighbors, and the 36 firemen who responded in -28 degree weather that night.
Jerry was a proud son of Monroe Center: serving as town board member and Chairman; putting on the Rendezvous Festival at the Monroe Town Park in October 1989; helping to design & build the Town Hall in 1991 (the first wedding held there was his daughter, Theresa’s); researching, writing, and distributing information about the area and its families; and bringing new families to the community by selling Spring Creek Landing lots from the original Roberts subdivision, like his grandfather before him.
Jerry & Patricia rebuilt their dream home, where they spent 26 years enjoying family gatherings around the jukebox, mornings at the table watching wildlife, countless building & restoration projects, collecting & selling antiques, swimming, boating, country western dancing, snowmobiling, and studying genealogy.
Jerry treated pets as family. He adored his Dobermans (Copper, Amber, Angel, Apollo), white German Shepard (Lady), and many feline companions. His faithful white Bull Terrier Maxmillian ‘Max’ Ruffhouser was the rowdiest of all his kids; his loving brindle Staffordshire Terrier, Bully, his joy & comfort.
Jerry had undeniable intelligence, ingenuity, humor, and style. You could count on him to have the right tool and know-how for every job. He kept impeccable notes on everything. You always knew where you stood with him. He encouraged his kids and grandkids to live life by their own design.
He was preceded in death by baby sister, Darlene Elaine; parents Ivan & Rose; and brother-in-law Dennis Henriksen.
Grateful for indelible memories: his wife of 42 years, Patricia; children Chemere “Johnny” (Jason) Pierce, Jennifer Olson, Monte Olson, Theresa (Gene) Pearson, Danny (Tina) Olson, Misty Woods, Kelly (Jack) Tunnicliff; grandchildren Kaylie Olson, Devan Olson, Alex Pearson, Paige (Derik) Kreibich, Chloe Sachs, Colton (Dax Kearn) Ziemendorf, Trista (Aaron Churkey) Ziemendorf; great-grandchildren: Vivien, Parker, Asher, Aria, Gabriel, Christian, Ryder, and Qedynce; siblings Pat Grover and Leroy (Lois) Olson; nieces & nephews Jamie (Bonnie) Henriksen, Chad (Melissa) Henriksen, Todd (Kim) Henriksen, Natalie (Rob) Wenzel; Nathan (Ann) Olson, Darin (Mary) Olson; and many great nieces & nephews.
His family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice and Roseberry’s Funeral Home for their compassion & assistance. A private get together will be held by family, with interment at Monroe Center Cemetery at a later date.