Gerald L. Olson

After 91 years full of life, Gerald Lavern Olson died June 27, 2020, at the beginning of Covid, surrounded by his immediate family. Unable to celebrate his life with extended family and friends at the time of his death, the family will celebrate Gerald’s and wife Betty’s lives with extended family and friends on Saturday, September 6 at Otter Creek Lutheran Church between Highland and Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

Everyone who knew Gerald (or Jerry as most people called him) appreciated his gentle kindness, sage wisdom and passion for spending time with the people he loved.

Born in Iowa County to Frances and Gertrude (Anderson) Olson, Gerald graduated from Cobb High School and the Wisconsin Institute of Technology in Platteville with a degree in mining engineering.

He married Betty Eileen Sniff June 16, 1951, in Mineral Point. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary just days before Jerry’s death. Jerry and Betty enjoyed travel and frequent gatherings with family and friends. Favorite pastimes included playing cards, dancing, camping, fishing, hiking and helping their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others down on their luck with no expectation of anything in return.

Church was important to Jerry and Betty. Jerry grew up in Otter Creek Lutheran Church. Betty and Jerry were active, often serving in leadership positions, at Windsor United Church of Christ in Windsor, Norway Grove Lutheran Church in DeForest, Living Water Church in Sun Prairie, and Lakeview Lutheran Church and Our Master’s Methodist Church in Madison.

Gerald worked as a civil engineer for the State of Wisconsin’s Division of Facilities Management and State Highway Commission for almost 40 years before retiring in 1990.

He is survived by sister-in-law Carole Olson and brother-in-law William Sniff and many nieces and nephews. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents Gertrude and Francis Olson, his siblings and their spouses LaVon (Pat) Watson, Norma (John) Shreve, Calvin (Donna) Olson and Milo Olson as well as in-laws Clarence and Ethel Sniff, CJ (Enza) Sniff, Helen (Robert) Stone, Eugene (Marion) Sniff and Shirley Sniff.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate the lives and love of Betty and Jerry Olson on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Otter Creek Lutheran Church, 4809 County Highway P, Highland, Wis. 53543. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. The Celebration of Life and Love and graveside interment will follow. All are invited to share a buffet lunch at the Red Zone, 360 Main St, Highland immediately following the interment.

Jerry and Betty’s family deeply appreciates all the messages of love and support that were received from family and friends after his death. Now, it’s time to celebrate a life well-lived and a love that is eternal.