Jerry Olson
d. September 12, 2022
Jerry Olson, age 81, of Cantrall, Illinois, passed away on Monday, September 12, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loved ones and his beloved dog, Gloria.
He was born on April 19, 1941, in Springfield Illinois, the son of Russell and Virginia (Showalter) Olson.
Jerry grew up in Fancy Prairie and graduated from Athens High School in 1959. He married Marlene Markey on September 5th, 1964.
Jerry will be missed terribly by his wife Marlene, two sons; Lance (Amy) Olson and Eric (Jerin) Olson of Cantrall; three daughters; Tricia (Fred) Schlosser, Rachel (Kevin) Jones, and Kristina (Graham) Olson of Springfield; and grandchildren; Jasmin Olson, Sam and Nick Schlosser, Lilly and Emmy Olson and Noah and Mia Jones; and sister; Phyllis (Bob) Hahn of Lincoln. Jerry was joyfully reunited on the other side with his parents, two sons; James Vincent Olson and Bradley Olson, and granddaughter Savannah Olson.
Jerry joined the service in 1963 and served as a combat engineer, a fact that was a great source of pride for him. Jerry was a hard worker. He was a farmer and worked for many years at FS and the Menard County Road Commission, District #2, retiring in 2019. Jerry missed his coworkers after his retirement, often saying that the guys he worked with kept him young.
Jerry was a board member for the Village of Cantrall for 29 years, having lived there all of his adult life. Jerry was a music lover and an Olympic level table tennis player, medaling several times in the Senior Olympics. He loved a good joke and had a laugh that could warm a room.
Jerry was proud of his children and in awe of his grandchildren. He loved to look around the room at a family gathering and offer a toast “to all of you here, just because two people drank wine”.
To know Jerry was to love him and, if he loved you, you were likely on the receiving end of a good ribbing or at the very least, a nickname. He was the dad who gently asked about your life, the grandpa who came to the game, the friend who laughed and hurt with you, and the husband who loved unconditionally.
Jerry could seem like a man of few words but, when he gave you those words, they were always important, poignant, meaningful and often just the right thing to make you feel better. He leaves everyone he ever met better for knowing him, and he leaves his family with a lifetime of wonderful memories and quotes that will live on for generations.
Jerry showed up for people. It’s what he did. His children often joked that he was a professional pallbearer. If you would like to show up for Jerry, you can do so at a visitation at Mott and Henning Funeral Home on September 29th from 4-7pm.
Cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Animal Protective League.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
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Posted September 14th, 2022 at 2:18 pm
So sorry to hear the sad news. Jerry was an exceptional husband and father. His absence will be greatly missed by family and friends. Love you guy and know you are safely home with family members.
Joyce
Posted September 14th, 2022 at 3:56 pm
It was a privilege to have known Jerry. Godspeed.
Posted September 14th, 2022 at 4:38 pm
Lance, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.
I know that his presence will be missed by you and your family. Remember he is always in your heart.
Netta Flowers ( Nat Gen)
Posted September 14th, 2022 at 8:46 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers and love to your family.
Posted September 15th, 2022 at 8:42 am
Lance, Amy and Jasmin, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Olson family on the loss of your father. How comforting that you chose to move to be near him in his final months and that you could be there for your mom. May your fond memories help you through this very difficult time.
Mike and Maureen Launius
Posted September 15th, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Olson family,
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sorry about your loss.
Sandy Connolley
Posted September 15th, 2022 at 1:01 pm
I was so sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. We remained good friends throughout our lives even though we lived states apart. He was a true and loyal friend to me and all of my family and will be greatly missed.
Posted September 15th, 2022 at 3:08 pm
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I will remember him fondly as a man who understood and appreciated the blessings in his life. We were together at mostly happy times, when he would share a cigar, a drink, and his distinctive, joyful laugh.
My sincere condolences to Marlene and the Family.
Posted September 16th, 2022 at 8:09 am
Lance and Olson Family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Heather and Brian Kruis
Posted September 16th, 2022 at 5:28 pm
Eric and family, our thoughts and prayers are with.
Posted September 17th, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Marlene, Rachel, and family,
We have such fond memories of Jerry. He was a kind, gentle, and funny man. He always made our Vine Street parties the best! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted September 18th, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Uncle Jerry kept me in trouble and out of trouble many times during my formative years. Hugs from Mom, Nancy and I…….
Donnie
Posted September 21st, 2022 at 8:33 pm
My heart goes out to you, Marlene, and your family. Memories last forever, I’m sure you have wonderful ones! 🙏
Posted September 22nd, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Marlene and Family;
Very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing, he was a good person and will be missed by many of us.
Larry and Mary Hughes
Posted September 28th, 2022 at 5:03 pm
Lance-
Sorry about the passing of your father. Our thoughts and condolences go out to you and your entire family during this difficult time. Cherish the good memories that you have and let them live on.
Brian and Melissa
Posted September 30th, 2022 at 2:34 pm
We extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family and pray that God will comfort you.