Jerald Elliot Olson Obituary
Jerald Elliot Olson, 89, Faribault, MN, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many passed away peacefully after an extended illness on Sunday, February 18 at his rural home.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, Faribault with interment and veteran’s military rites provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault.
Visitation will be held at the Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. and also at the church for one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Jerald was born in Faribault, MN to John and Jane Olson on April 29, 1934. He graduated from Faribault Senior High School in 1952 and served two years in the U.S. army, one in Korea. He married Marlene Betzold on March 29, 1958 and they had one child, Joan. Marlene passed away in 2003 and Jerald married Diane Donkers on November 26, 2004. He was greatly blessed with the love of these two women for nearly 65 years.
From 1958 until his death Jerald lived on and farmed land purchased from his parents. He was a progressive farmer and dairyman who strove to continually improve productivity. In 1968, he was named Outstanding Young Farmer by the Faribault Jaycees and was the Minnesota state runner-up. He served as member and director in many farm and community organizations including: the County, State and National Holstein Friesian Associations, the Webster Co-op and the Rice County Fair Board. He was also an active member of Hope United Methodist Church of Faribault.
Jerald is survived by his wife Diane; daughter, Joan Olson and son-in-law Donald Smith of Bloomington; grandchildren, Joe (Kelsey) Smith, Anna (Matt) Hovila; stepchildren, Debra (Kevin) Souther, Tom (Pam) Donkers, Gary Donkers, Patrick (Brenda) Donkers, Scott (Missy) Donkers, Ted Donkers; step grandchildren, Nathan (Andrea) Souther, Tim Souther, Matt (Katlyn) Souther, Adam Donkers, Ryan Donkers, Jason Donkers, Katarina (fiancé Scott Carter) Donkers, Connor (Adria) Donkers, Jack Donkers, Chester Donkers, Alissa Donkers, Paige Donkers, Hayden Donkers; great grandchildren, Logan Smith and Louie Hovila; step great grandchildren, Linnea and Soren Souther; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Betzold, Thelma Betzold, Barry Olson; nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by his first wife Marlene Olson; parents, John and Jane Olson; brothers, John (Beverly) Olson, Keith Olson, Milton (Peggy) Olson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dale (Betty) Betzold, George Betzold, Jack (Beverly) Kraus, Bert (Vivian) Welander, and Merle Betzold.
The family extends a special thank you to Lisa, Kathy, Lori, Kelsey, Becky, Rachel and Hayden, all wonderful caregivers who supported Jerry and his family in his last months. Thanks also to Allina Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Hope United Methodist Church of Faribault, Allina Hospice or a charity of your choice.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Jerald Elliot Olson hosted by Boldt Funeral Home.
Events
Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Jerald Elliot Olson.