Jerome Marvin Olson, 74, of Rapid City, SD, passed away at his home on February 10, 2024, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Born in Mayville, ND to John T. Olson & Jean P. (Haugen) Olson on October 9, 1949, Jerome was raised in the small town of Portland, ND. Here he attended and graduated High School, later taking business courses at Mayville State University. Upon his high school graduation, Jerome enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. When he returned, he married former spouse Vickie (Thompson) Olson and together they raised their three daughters in neighboring Clifford, ND. In his time there, Jerome served as mayor, a member of the school board, was active with Norman Lutheran Church and was a member of the volunteer Fire Department. Through those years he enjoyed competing with, and against, lifelong friends on the softball fields in the community. For almost 40 years, he dedicated his life to the citizens of Traill County with the Rural Water System. In 1990, Jerome once again enlisted to serve our country overseas in Operation Desert Storm with the US National Guard. Jerome spent a couple of years in Minot ND, working and creating great friendships before retiring in 2016 to the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota where he found true joy to end his days.
Preceding Jerome in death are his parents, John & Jean Olson, sister Dianne (David) Odden, infant brothers Larry John & Dana Jon.
Jerome is survived by the mother of his girls, Vickie Olson, Queen Creek, AZ; daughters Kelly (Chad) Anderson of Queen Creek, AZ; Jerri (Aron) Martz of Rapid City, SD; Danielle (George) Perich of Esko, MN; seven grandchildren, a great grand-daughter, several nieces and nephews.
Jerome will be buried at the Black Hills National Cemetery. The family is honoring Jerome’s wish of not having a funeral service. However, memorials in lieu of a funeral service may be made to The Sergeant Derr Foundation, dedicated to the brave and strong Veterans facing challenges from their experiences in war. Though this is not how Jerome’s time ended, there is such a need for us to stand beside our real life heroes, our neighbors and friends who do carry these battles. This organization “focuses on Veteran Advocacy, Assistance, and public Awareness of the battles our heroes face when they come home”. Link~ https://www.sergeantderrfoundation.org/foundation-1
