Gerald Olinger

Gerald “Jerry” Olinger, age 82, a resident of Grantsburg passed away September 24, 2022, at the Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center in Grantsburg surrounded by family after a long battle with ALS.

Jerry was born at home on the family farm in Webster (Lincoln Township), WI to James and Agnes (Lyons) Olinger on May 14, 1940. Jerry attended grade school at Perida School and graduated from Webster High School in 1958. He later completed the electrical training program at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis and began work at Onan Brothers in 1966 where he worked for 35 years until his retirement.

On April 23, 1966, Jerry married May Roberts at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. They resided in Forest Lake, MN until 1971 then moved back to Grantsburg where they lived ever since.

Jerry leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, May, sons; Bryan (Sara) Olinger and James (Kathryn) Olinger, grandchildren: Rachel, Olivia, Isabel, Cameron, and Arianna Olinger. Brother; John (Barbara) Olinger, sister; Rosemarie (Robert) Lindberg, Sisters-in-law; Carol and Shirley Olinger as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; James and Agnes Olinger, brothers; James, Richard and William Olinger, sister-in-law; Donna Olinger and Nephews; Patrick and James “Jamie” Olinger.

Jerry was a genuine handyman, able to build or repair most things. He always enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling, following the Packers, and especially enjoyed attending his son’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.

A celebration of life will be held at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg on Thursday, September 29 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. A short prayer service will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center, 257 W. St. George Ave., Grantsburg, WI 54840, for the years of wonderful and dedicated care of their residents.