Jack Willard Olson

Jack Olson of West Rush Lake; passed away on Friday, (April 8, 2016) at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN at the age of 87 years. Jack Willard Olson was born on December 2, 1928 in Columbia Heights, MN to Elmer & Jess (Swanson) Olson. He attended school in Columbia Heights. On September 16, 1950, Jack was married to Marilyn “Mitzi” Swan. Jack enlisted into the United States Army in 1951 and went to Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Directly from basic, Jack went to fight in the Korean War. In Korea, he received a gunshot wound from a machine gun. When put on a helicopter, Jack was hit again and knocked off his stretcher and out of the helicopter while it was about 10-12 feet off the ground. As a result of the attack, Jack had permanent shrapnel in the leg and hip. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, a Bronze Campaign Star, a Service Medal, an Occupation Medal (Japan), CIB (Combat Infantryman Badge) and a Purple Heart! Jack owned and operated a Phillips 66 Service Station on highway 65 in Ham Lake for 10 years. He retired in 1989 from Hoffman Engineering after 20 years of service. Back in the day, Jack loved to race his 1940 Ford Coupe at dirt stock car tracks such as the former Twin City Speedway. Logically, Jack was a NASCAR and World of Outlaws fan. Jack was an amateur photographer and bird watcher who enjoyed nature and loved to travel and fish. A thirty year plus member of the Grothe-Jacobson VFW in Rush City, Jack served in several capacities, including Acting Commander. He was also an important part of the Color Guard Rifle Squad for many years. Jack served Nessel Township as its Supervisor and Election Judge. Jack enjoyed his morning coffee in Rush Point for many years and for the past 17 years every Monday through Saturday; he coffeed with special friends Jim Dellwo, Harold Ecklund and whoever else would join them. Jack Olson is survived by his three sons Steve (Candace) Olson of McGregor, Keven (Gail) Olson of Zimmerman and Cary (Julie) Olson of Cambridge; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife and parents. Jack Olson's life will be celebrated; 4 PM, Friday, April 22, 2016 with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service with military honors provided by the Grothe-Jacobson VFW Post #6692, Rush City American Legion Post #93 and Minnesota National Guard and the all at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City. Interment will take place in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. Funeral arrangements for Jack Olson of West Rush Lake are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City-Olson Chapel www.funeralandcremationservice.com