New Hope, MN, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Jay Olson, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran and community volunteer, passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His life was marked by over three decades of military service, extensive community involvement, and a commitment to helping others. Survived by family and friends, his legacy will continue through those he inspired. Memorial events are planned to honor his memory, reflecting his significant contributions to both the military and the local community.
New Hope, MN – Jay Olson, a distinguished Marine Corps veteran and dedicated community volunteer, passed away at home on September 25th, 2025, after a thirteen-month battle with pancreatic cancer. His death marks the end of a life devoted to service in both the military and civilian capacities.
Olson was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Harriet, and his sister, Joan. He is survived by his wife Marlene, with whom he was married for 49 years; his son Joshua (Cindi) and granddaughter Lily; daughter Christina; sister Pamela Kedzierzawski (Ed); brother Jon Olson (Kathy); brother-in-law Dorvan Hagen; sister-in-law Charlene Brenner (Jim), LeeAnn Lanpher; brother-in-law Thomas Whitrock (Martha); and many beloved nieces, nephews, special friends, and family members.
Born in Hopkins, Minnesota, Olson’s family later moved to Stillwater, where he graduated from high school before attending the University of Minnesota. His military career began on October 2nd, 1975, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Over the next 30 years, he served with distinction, starting as a radio operator and later becoming a specialist in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
Throughout his military career, Olson was stationed in several locations, including Camp Pendleton, Beaufort in South Carolina, Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii, Okinawa in Japan, and South Korea. While at Camp Pendleton, he furthered his education by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from National University. He also pursued a Master of Business Administration from Chaminade University while in Hawaii. His service included participation in the Gulf War, during which he was exposed to burning oil pits, a factor believed to have contributed to his later diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
In 1997, Olson relocated to Springfield, Virginia, where he took a position with the Department of Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). His work involved extensive travel, taking him to numerous countries including Nepal, Brussels, Japan, Germany, France, London, and Belgium. He retired from the Marine Corps on December 2nd, 2005.
After retiring, Olson returned to Minnesota, where he engaged with various community organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Masons, Eastern Star, Heroes of ’76, and Sojourner’s. He was particularly passionate about volunteer work with children, showcasing his talents by making balloon animals, toy bows and arrows, and marshmallow guns during community events.
The Olson family requests memorials in Jay’s memory be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project in lieu of flowers. Visitation will take place on October 27th, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kapala Glodek-Malone Funeral Home in New Hope, MN, with rituals honoring Jay beginning at 6:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for October 28th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Hometown Church in New Hope, MN, followed by a luncheon at the Crystal VFW. A private family burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the date of Jay Olson’s passing?
Jay Olson passed away at home on September 25th, 2025, after a thirteen-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Who are the survivors of Jay Olson?
He is survived by his wife Marlene; son Joshua (Cindi); granddaughter Lily; daughter Christina; sister Pamela Kedzierzawski (Ed); brother Jon Olson (Kathy); and many other family members.
Where did Jay Olson serve during his military career?
He served at Camp Pendleton, Beaufort (South Carolina), Kaneohe Bay (Hawaii), Okinawa (Japan), and South Korea.
What educational degrees did Jay Olson earn?
While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from National University and pursued a Master of Business Administration from Chaminade University while in Hawaii.
What organizations was Jay Olson involved with after retirement?
He became active with organizations including the VFW, American Legion, Masons, Eastern Star, Heroes of ’76, and Sojourner’s.
What events are scheduled to honor Jay Olson?
Visitation is set for October 27th, 2025, and a Celebration of Life Service will take place on October 28th, 2025, at Hometown Church in New Hope, MN.
Key Features of Jay Olson’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Passing | September 25, 2025 |
| Years of Marriage | 49 years |
| Military Service Duration | 30 years |
| Educational Background | Bachelor of Arts and MBA |
| Significant Contributions | Volunteered with various organizations working with children |
| Upcoming Services | Visitation on October 27; Celebration of Life on October 28 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Mayo Clinic Uses AI in Cancer Diagnosis
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
- KARE 11: Minnesota Med Tech Investment
- Google Search: Med Tech Investments
- Star Tribune: St. Paul Officer Dies of Pancreatic Cancer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pancreatic Cancer
- ABC News: mRNA Vaccines and Political Attacks
- Google News: mRNA Vaccines
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
