Gerald M. Olson

7/26/1935 — 9/28/2017

Service Date: 10/7/2017
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On Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, the Olson family lost their family rock. Gerald M. Olson was born July 26, 1935, in Ray, N.D., to Irene and Elmer Olson in their family home. Gerald was the second-youngest of four children.

The family moved to Montana when he was a young adult. Gerald went on to attend college in Dillon, Mont., to get his teaching degree with only two credits short of his doctorate degree. He worked for several school districts throughout Montana, teaching fifth- and sixth-grade elementary and a brief time as an elementary principal. During his time teaching in Columbia Falls, Mont., he also ran for the House of Representatives.

After he retired from teaching, he spent several years working in Southern California before moving back to Montana. He finally ended up in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and worked for Opportunities Unlimited for several years. He was a very compassionate psychiatric rehabilitation therapist who maintained close relationships with many clients even after his retirement from working at age 75.

Gerald married JoWana on Oct. 15, 1978. He was a very loving husband and father who was committed to his family and helping everyone he came in contact with. He is survived by his wife, JoWana Olson of Clarkston, and nine children, Kathy Rolfs of Moses Lake, Wash., Terry Corti of Whitefish, Mont., Gary Olson of San Diego, Karla Hawkins of Columbia Falls, Dan Olson of Lewiston, April Armstrong of Spokane, Angelisa Olson of Clarkston, Tamika Olson of Clarkston, and Dylan Olson of Seattle. He was the proud Papa of 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Gerald is survived by one sister, Virginia Perzinski of Kalispell, Mont. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, a brother and a sister.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Fly high with the angels until we meet again. We love you, dad.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at New Life Apostolic Church, 1010 21st Ave., Lewiston.