Jay Howard Olson

Jay H. Olson, passed into eternity on May 22, 2025 at the age of 82. He was a 55-year resident of Richfield and long-time member of Hope Presbyterian Church. He was born and raised in Milton, ND; and as the oldest of 5 siblings, he worked alongside his dad on the family farm from an early age. Jay graduated from Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River, ND. He earned a basketball scholarship to Bismarck Junior College and studied there for two years. Following that, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan and Morón AFB in Seville, Spain from 1963 to 1967 as a communication specialist. Returning home, he attended the University of ND before moving to Minneapolis, MN.

Jay met Mary L. Sixta, from Spencer, IA, while they were both employed at a G.E.M. Department store in Bloomington. They married in 1970 and built their life together, raising their three children, Jayson, Jessica and Jillian, in Richfield. His passion for hard work, his love of fresh air and his craftsmanship led to a successful small business, Jay Olson Roofing. He never shied away from saying hello to a stranger, helping a neighbor or visiting a friend. He was known for his easy going and light-hearted spirit, his warm smile and ability to laugh and make others laugh, his vocational skills and willingness to get a little dirty, his love for and restoration of Minneapolis Moline tractors, and his tender hugs and loving encouragement.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Olson; his three children and their spouses, Jayson (and Tina) Olson, Jessica (and Chris) Sage and Jillian (and Eric) Guberud; his nine grandchildren, Sam Olson, Gabe Olson, Carolina Sage, Christopher Sage, Jonathan Sage, Wyatt Sage, Warren Sage, Alli Guberud and Max Guberud; his sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Jack Maynard; his brother, Doug Olson; and his brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Vicki Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Alveretta Olson; his brother, James Olson; and his infant sisters, Sandra and Linda.

Jay was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and neighbor. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy and will be dearly missed by his family, friends and community.

All are warmly invited to join the family to honor and remember Jay. Visitation on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Morris Nilsen Funeral Home and on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Hope Presbyterian Church at 9:30 a.m. (1 hour prior to service). The Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. A lunch reception will be served following the service at the church, with interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Please see below for addresses and details.