Gerald Frederick Olsen was born in Helena, MT, on January 26, 1938 to Catherine McCauley Olsen and Frederick Lorraine Olsen. Gerald passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2015. Gerald was 77 years old. He spent his last day celebrating his beloved wife’s birthday and was able to watch one last basketball game of his favorite team, the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Gerald was raised in Townsend and graduated from Broadwater County High School in 1956. He was a stand-out athlete in Football, Basketball and track where he was a four year letterman in both Football and basketball. He enjoyed playing the saxophone in the High School Band. Upon graduation, Gerald enlisted in the Army Reserve and attended Boot Camp at Fort Ord, CA and later was stationed at Fort Leonardwood, MO, where he trained in surveying. Upon returning home Gerald attended Carroll College. He then went to work for the Montana Department of Transportation, which he retired from after 35+ years of dedicated service.
Gerald met the love of his life, Bonnie, and were married on February 15, 1958. From this union, six beautiful children were born; three boys and three girls.
Throughout Gerald’s life, he enjoyed working in his shop, manicuring his yard, and restoring different pieces of farm equipment. He constantly worked fixing up his farm buildings and corrals. He had a lifelong passion for horses, ranching, and the rodeo way of life. In later years he raised and trained his own quarter horses. He enjoyed team roping and introduced roping to all of his kids. Gerald loved collecting and restoring his old 46 GMC truck, “Orville”, and his vintage antique buggy. He was very meticulous and finished all of his projects to perfection.
Gerald enjoyed his weekly Wednesday Bowling League where he once bowled a perfect game. He also enjoyed playing in the Men’s Softball League when he was younger.
Gerald had an avid love for good classic country music and enjoyed a night out dancing with Bonnie.
He was very passionate about following his children and then grandchildren in sports, rodeo, and the musical talents of his family. When first meeting this man, he may have come across as a stern and stubborn guy, but Gerald had a heart of gold. He was loving and soft-hearted and his family was his pride and joy.
Gerald was a member of Holy Cross Parish his entire life.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and F.L. Olsen. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of 57 years and children, Cathy Olsen South, East Helena, Wanda Olsen Moldenhauer (Todd), Winston, Gerald Olsen, Jr. (Michelle) Pocatello, ID, Brenda Olsen Brakke (Doug) Billings, Randy Olsen (Wanda) East Helena, and Scott Olsen (Sandi) Winston and his siblings Ronald (Rosie) Olsen, Karen Olsen Harrington, Adalee (Terry) Plummer, Anita (Jim) Leiter. Gerald is also survived by his 12 grandchildren, Kit and Jesse Moldenhauer, Taylor and Chase South, Karly and Kristen Olsen, Brooke and Megan Brakke, Keith and Cassie Olsen, and Riley and Alexa Olsen, along with 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 25th at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 S. Walnut, Townsend, MT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 26 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at the Holy Cross Cemetery. A luncheon will be served in the basement of the church following the Rite of Committal. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Holy Cross Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 610, Townsend, MT 59644.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 25, 2015
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Thursday March 26, 2015
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Thursday March 26, 2015
Holy Cross Cemetery
Townsend, MT 59644
Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Thursday March 26, 2015
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 25, 2015
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Thursday March 26, 2015
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Thursday March 26, 2015
Holy Cross Cemetery
Townsend, MT 59644
Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Thursday March 26, 2015
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
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Mike Wadenberg says
Dear Scott and Family,
We are sorry to hear about your fathers passing.
In reading the above obituary I can tell that Gerald was a great man and a inspiration to your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless you and your families Scott.
Sincerely,
Mike Waldenberg
Liz Hedden says
Cathy, Bonnie and Family,
We are so sorry for you loss . Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Hold on the all the wonderful memories you all must have. Again we are so very sorry.
Liz Hedden
Trudy Collins says
Brenda,
I am sorry for the loss of your father. Take comfort in your beautiful memories and the peace that comes from faith in God.
Trudy
Marcy Parks says
Cathy and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My heart goes out to all of you; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Jeane Garrett says
Cathy, Chase, Taylor, and Bonnie,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was so much fun at the b-ball games. We will miss him. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark Kennedy says
Gerry and family,
Very sorry to hear about the unexpected loss of a loved one in your family. Remember the good times. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the weeks to come.
Carl Baily says
Gerry and family,
So sorry to hear about your dad. He sounds like an amazing man. I hope you are holding up well, and my family and I send our prayers and regards.
Joe and Lisa Jepson says
To all of Gerald’s family,
We are so sorry to hear of Gerald’s untimely passing. May wonderful memories comfort you in this sad time. Joe and I are out of state but please know that we are thinking of and praying for you all….Love, Lisa and Joe
Shelley Olson says
I am so sorry for your sudden loss. There truly are no words. I’ll be praying for your comfort.
With deep sympathy, Shelley
Terry and Janet Stocks says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cal and Randi Nehring says
Dear Bonnie and Family,
Wonderful guy and wonderful family. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With Sincere Sympathy.
Cal and Randi
Jerry & Connie Ridgeway says
Scott and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss as words can’t express what the heart alone can feel, but just know we are praying for peace and comfort for you all. Extending our sincere sympathy and friendship.
God Bless you as your journey through this loss,
Jerry & Connie Ridgeway
and the RDO Family
Kimberly Poole says
My prayers go out to you all during this time.
Darcie Hilton Dunlap says
Olsens,
So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was so supportive of all your kids. I enjoyed talking to him in the stands while watching Chase and Taylor play football. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.