Jerry Lee Olson

Jerry Lee Olson, age 88, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, and Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00pm, followed by a prayer service at 6:00pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN. Jerry will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 12:30pm, July 28, 2026, please check back for more information. In lieu of flowers, donations to Disabled American Veterans.

Jerry was born on May 20, 1938, to Lewis and Jeanette Olson in Thompson, Iowa. During his childhood, his family moved frequently, and he later graduated from a technical high school in Des Moines, Iowa. Following graduation, Jerry proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. It was there that he met the love of his life, Arlene Weinelt. The two married on February 28, 1959, in Maryland, and shared 67 wonderful years together.After his military service, Jerry worked for the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. In the 1970s, he and Arlene returned to Prior Lake, Minnesota, where they raised their five children.Jerry had a gift for fixing and restoring things. He enjoyed working on small engines, such as lawnmowers, clocks, motorcycles, and just about anything mechanical. He also found great joy in gardening and spending time outdoors. Jerry and Arlene shared a passion for travel, exploring 49 states as well as destinations around the world, including Europe and China. For 24 years, they treasured spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona.Jerry loved children and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immense pride and happiness. He never passed up an opportunity to spend time with family or enjoy a Chick-fil-A strawberry milkshake.Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene; his children, Mark (Annie) Olson, Lisa (Dan) Muelken, Gregg (Jan) Olson, Gary (Lori) Olson, and Debra (Bill) Olson; grandchildren Danielle, Drew (Kayla), Ryan (Maya), Jordan (Megan), Alex, Lydia, Brittney (Fritj), Elizabeth (Aaron), Jamie, Lexi, and Jami; great-grandchildren Jack, Charlee, Eleanor, and Levi; sister-in-law Ruby Olson; brothers-in-law Jim (Ginny) Weinelt and Bob (Shirley) Weinelt; and many cherished nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and his five siblings.