"I was so sad to hear about Jon. I was in the same elementary, junior high and senior high school with Jon. He was a good friend"
In loving memory of
Jon Thomas Olson
July 15, 1947 - July 25, 2012
Jon Thomas Olson was born on July 15, 1947, in Windom, Minnesota to the late Leo and Verna (Hovde)Olson. He was welcomed home by his big brother Gary at their farm south of Storden. A few years later, little brother and sister Rick and Debby joined them and he regarded them as best friends throughout his life. Jon was baptized, confirmed and a life long member of the Amo Lutheran Church in rural Storden. As a child growing up on the farm, Jon played and worked around his sister, brothers, great friends and cousins. Jon attended Storden elementary and high school where at a young age he met and maintained many lifelong friends. After high school, Jon enlisted in the United States Marines in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1968 having met the rank of Corporal.
Upon returning home, Jon attended St.Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota where he met his bride, Annette Louise Zuehlke from Eau Claire, Wisconsin who was attending the University of Minnesota. The inseparable couple tied the knot shortly there after on July 18, 1970 at the Ephipany Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After marriage, Jon and Annette moved to St. Cloud where Jon continued his education. Soon the two were off to adventures in Alaska before coming home to farm. In 1974, the couple was blessed with their first son, Eric followed by daughter Tracy and their youngest son, Luke. Jon was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman. He passionately built the farm from house to landscaping with the help of his family.
Jon had boundless love for his family and it could not have been more evident, then when he was around his three young grandchildren Leo, Oliver and Eve, who melted his sugarbear heart.
Jon was a member of the Herbert-Reese American Legion Post #391 in Storden since 1968, Winchester Club of America since 1978, Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Association, Des Moines River Du Chapter Committee since 1978, Tri State Rifle League, Sun Valley Gun Club, Sioux Empire Cartridge Collectors, Dacotah Rifle League and a 4-H firearms training instructor. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, and also served on the Cottonwood County SWCD for twelve years.
Jon had been battling cancer and fought the disease courageously until Wednesday, July 25, 2012, when he passed away peacefully at his home in rural Storden, with his family at his side, at the age of 65 years.
Jon is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Annette Olson of Storden; three children, Eric Olson of Storden; Tracy Olson Peschel and her husband, Pete, of Edina; Luke Olson of Storden; three grandchildren, Leo, Oliver and Eve; three siblings, Gary and Betty Olson of Windom; Rick and MaryLynn Olson of Wanaska; Deb and Kim Miller of Jeffers; and several nieces and nephews.
Jon is preceded in death by his parents.
Blessed be the memory of Jon Thomas Olson.
Jon's wishes were in lieu of flowers to plant a tree for someone you love.
Tributes
"Annette & family . . . so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless! "
" Annette-John was my friend for more than 50 years. My sympathy."
"Annette and family, Jon was an awesome man and we are keeping you in our prayers. Bruce just had hip replacement surgery so we are unable to be there in person. Love to all."
"Annette and Family. Our sympathy. Jon was a great friend and we had countless good times. He will be missed."
"Olson Family, We are so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you God Bless."
"Annette and family, You have our deepest sympathy for you loss. "
"We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"It blessed my heart so much to read of all of the love shared with Jon. So much of life I do not understand; but I know this. We have a Risen Savior Who lived and died and rose again for such a time as this. May you all know the love and concern of family and friends at this trying time. Peace."
"I though of the Olsons when I attended the Amo Lutheran reunion recently. Jon and I went to school together in Storden until we moved "to town" Windom) during 6th grade. Peace to all."
"Annette and family, I was saddend to hear of Jon's passing,He was a good man and was taken too young in life. He is with his parents now in the arms of the Lord. Cal & La`Rene Davies"
"We are so saddened by Jon's loss so early in his life. We remember his beaming smile. May the Angels in paradise lead him safely to Heaven"
"Olson family, We are so sorry for the sad loss of Jon too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless."
"Annette and family. Our sympathy. It's been a long trying time for all of you. Cancer sure gives meaning to the phrase "rest in peace". Hugs and prayers to you. Pat and Arlo Sell"
"Dear Annette and Family: Barb and I are deeply saddened over your loss. I know the many memories of the good times will be a great comfort to you in the future. Jon will be missed my all those that knew him. You have our sympathy."
"Annette and Family....we are so sorry for the loss of our dear neighbor Jon. He was always willing to help with anything and everything we needed. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him. He is feeling much better now...God Bless You All!!"