GERALD J. "JERRY" OLSON, age 80, of Burnsville, MN, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023 at the VA Health Care System in Minneapolis, MN surrounded by his loving family.  A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Greenwood, WI.  Pastor Elizabeth Bier will officiate, and burial of cremains will follow in the Greenwood City Cemetery.  Military rites will be conducted by the Greenwood American Legion Post #238.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 12pm until time of service.

     Gerald John Olson was born on January 1, 1943 in Greenwood, WI, to Daniel F. and Alice R. (Wendt) Olson.  He was raised on the family farm, and received his education in Greenwood, graduating from Greenwood High School in 1961.  After high school, Jerry enlisted into the U.S. Air Force on March 27, 1962 and served until his honorable discharge on September 3, 1965.  He resided in Minnesota where he worked for Minnesota Bakers Corporation in Edina, Bandag Tire Company, and was a custodian for the Veterans Administration for 30 years, retiring in 2010.

     Jerry was a very active member of the United Church of Christ in Minneapolis, was a motivational speaker, and loved playing drums for his church, at area nursing homes, and at the VA.  He was known by all as Drummer Jerry.

     He is survived by four siblings: Duane (Donna) Olson, Dick (Margie) Olson, Diane (Wayne) Nielsen, all of Greenwood, WI, Sandy (Kenneth) Shields of Rockwall, TX; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

     Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and his step-father: Arnold Dehne.