It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Gerald (Jer) Richard Olson on August 27, 2026. While he had been managing other medical conditions in recent years, he was taken from us by a pulmonary embolism.
Jer was born July 25, 1968 to Dan and Marian (Vrieze) Olson. He lived his life in Dodge Center, MN where he was known for his red hair, long beard, wearing bibs daily and the pliers in his pocket. He was known to be able to fix or build most anything. Jer was incredibly stubborn, he lived his life his way with little need for material things, and a very tight circle of friends and loved ones. He didn’t like crowds, he didn’t like too many people, but if he chose you, you knew. You knew from his humor and one liners, from his willingness to lend a helping hand, by his smirk and the twinkle in his eyes.
He loved his daughters Dusti Olson and Carly Kahl, he loved his Harley, he loved cool weather, his dog Mac, his father Dan (Carol Kinney) Olson and his sister Wendy (Rodney) Myer. He was blessed with 4 grandsons; Malyk and Brayden Schaefer, Carter Olson and Kooper Olson. He was blessed with a niece and nephew; Elle and Abraham Myer.
He valued his close friends who dropped in with home cooked meals, things that needed to be fixed, and stories to share. For those who hadn’t seen him recently, he remembered you, we talked about you, and the memories and good times were important to him.
Jer is reunited in heaven with his amazing mother Marian, as well as his grandparents Oscar and Anna Olson, Wilton (Bud) and Doris Vrieze, cousins, aunts and uncles and many friends he lost too soon. His father, Dan, has lost too much over the years and this loss hits hard, please stop by the shop to visit in the future.
We plan to celebrate Jer where he was most comfortable; at his home. All are welcome on Friday September 4th from 4-7 pm. 403 East Main Street Dodge Center Mn. It will be a casual gathering, many of us will be wearing bibs because Jer was right; they are the most comfortable and they can hold a pliers.
