Jerol S. Olson

Jerol Stanley “Jerry” Olson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024 at the age of 86 in his adopted hometown of Northville, Michigan. Jerry’s life, which spanned nearly nine decades, was a testament to love, dedication, and community.

Born in 1938 in Cambridge, Minnesota, Jerry’s life journey took him from the lakes of his home state to the bustling cities of America and Europe. After graduating from Hamline College in St. Paul, Jerry met the love of his life, Karen Huso, on the shores of Gull Lake. The couple’s bond grew strong, leading to a marriage filled with love, adventure, and mutual respect for over 61 years.

Jerry dedicated over four decades of his life to a successful career at 3M, beginning as a salesperson and eventually taking on various roles that saw him move from Minneapolis to Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit, and even Brussels, Belgium. His loyalty and commitment to the company were unwavering, and he retired in 1993 after 42 years of service.

Northville, Michigan became the center of Jerry and Karen’s family life, where they raised three wonderful children. They were long-time and active members of the First United Methodist Church of Northville, where Jerry’s warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit touched many lives.

Jerry was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved biking, taking long walks, and engaging in conversations with strangers who quickly became friends. His love for travel took him and Karen to many corners of the world, but his true contentment was found on the porch of their South Haven home, watching the sun set over Lake Michigan.

Jerry’s legacy of love, grace, and kindness lives on through his wife Karen; his children, Jenny Olson, Greg (Dara Crowfoot) Olson, and Chris (Jen Clarkson) Olson; his grandchildren, Aidan, Simon, Stan, and Nick; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Huso; his nieces, Karin Stone and Deborah Huso; and his nephew, Kent Stone. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Barbara Stone.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 777 West Eight Mile Road, Northville. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the First United Methodist Church of Northville in Jerry’s honor, where he was a devoted and active member.