Gerald Merlin "Jerry" Olson, 84, Minot and formerly of Norwich died on Sunday, July 6, 2014 in a Minot nursing home.

Gerald was born on June 2, 1930 in Minot to Elmer and Vera (Taylor) Olson. His mother died two days after his birth and he was raised on a farm in the Norwich area by his aunt and uncle George and Pauline Olson. He attended school in Norwich and was baptized and confirmed at the Norwich Lutheran Church. As a young adult he was employed as a farm laborer. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949 and served in Korea prior to his honorable discharge. He returned to North Dakota and resided in Minot where he was employed by Westlie Motors in the car reconditioning department for thirty-three years. Gerald was once married to Dorothy Schaan and Jane Mortenson. While he was married to Jane he resided in Seattle WA for five years. He returned to Minot where he had since resided.

He especially enjoyed fishing and visiting at the Schatz's Truckstop Restaurant.

Gerald is survived by his children: Rick Olson of Bismarck, Renae (Palmer) Miller of Minot and Brenda (Kevin) Murray of Monroe, MI; grandchildren: Sara and Amber Miller and Tayler, Chelsea and Jessica Murray; half-brothers: Ron Olson, Allen Olson and Lindy Wittling and a special cousin Robert (Lois) Olson of Minot.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of the Life of Gerald Olson: Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Norwich Lutheran Church.
Interment at Rosehill Cemetery - rural Norwich.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Rosehill Cemetery.