Gerry Alan Olson, 73 of Hopkins, died Thursday, May 17, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Olson was born July 19, 1944, in Shelbyville, the son of the late John and Eunice (McBride) Olson. He was a Hopkins High School graduate, Class of 1962. Gerry was a very hardworking man, always providing for his family.

He spent 25 years of his life as a dairy famer and milk hauler, as well as 20 years as a maintenance man for the Wayland Public School System. Not only was he a loving husband and father, but he and his wife, Darlene, also were foster parents and extended their family to help others that needed them.

Besides his wife, Gerry is survived by his two boys, Cory Olson and Bjorn (Laurie) Olson; his foster daughter, Sandy Jo McCune Vance; four grandchildren, Josh, Tedd, Kody and Lexi; two brothers, Bryce (Margaret) Olson and Dennis (Barb) Olson; three sisters, Sandra (Ed) Grandquist, Cindy (Jim) Zuidema (who is also Gerry’s twin), Marcia (Tom) Morris; and one sister-in-law, Shirley Olson.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Curtis Olson and his sister, Linda Olson.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 23, at Hopkins Community Reformed Church (2142 – 128th Avenue, Hopkins. Memorial donations may be made in Gerry’s name to Wings Home or Wings of Hope Hospice (530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010).