Gerald "Jerry" Dean Olson, 68, Tolleson, AZ, and former long-time resident of Sturgis, died unexpectedly July 26, 2013, at his home.

Jerry was born April 11, 1945, in Mobridge, SD, to Alf and Luwella (Aman) Olson. He grew up near McLaughlin. Jerry served in the US Army from 1965 until 1967. Following his honorable discharge, Jerry moved to Sturgis. He married Millie Rittle and they had two lovely daughters, Talona and Tammy. Jerry and Millie divorced many years later. Jerry worked at Owens Interstate and other various jobs in the Sturgis area before beginning his career in Nursing Service at the Fort Meade VA Hospital.

Jerry met Margo Thompson and they married. This union lovingly added Margo's children, Jan and Barry, to the family. They moved to Reno where he worked at the Reno VA Hospital until his retirement.

Jerry loved boating, fishing, baseball, and playing cards with his family. He enjoyed coaching his daughter's softball teams as they were growing up. He loved gardening, especially raising tomatoes. He also enjoyed canning his home-grown tomatoes.

Survivors include his daughters and stepchildren, Tammy Taylor, Amarillo, TX, Talona Olson, Lufkin, TX, Jan Kellogg, Long Beach, CA, and Barry Thompson, Portland, OR; eight grandchildren, BreiAnn, Laura, Zachary, Nicole, Olivia, Sophia, Derrick, and Mandy; one great-grandson, Oden; and four sisters, Diane Fischer, Sheridan, WY, Barb Geurts, Tolleson, AZ, and Cathrine Johnson and Phyllis Olson, both of Sturgis, SD.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Alf and Luwella Olson; wife, Margo; brother, Richard Olson; and many other close relatives.

A celebration of his life will be Friday, August 16, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Henrique Fleming officiating. Inurnment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard.

A memorial has been established to the Sturgis Youth Baseball and Softball programs.

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