On January 19, 2025, Jackie Leon Olson Jr. went home to his Heavenly Father at the age of 73. He was born on November 4, 1951, at Barksdale Airforce Base, Shreveport, Louisiana, to Jackie Leon Olson Sr. and Norma Jean Olson (Brunner). Jack attended elementary school at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Herington, Kansas and graduated from Herington High School with the class of 1969.
After graduation, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy. He completed basic training at San Diego Naval base after which he served two tours of duty in Vietnam having served aboard the USS Floyd B. Parks and USS Fox. After leaving the Navy Jack joined the Kansas Army National Guard ultimately transferring to the Kansas Air National Guard from which he retired in 1997. It would be hard to find someone who loved his country more than Jack did.
It was during his Naval service that he fell in love with Brenda Lee Schneider. They were married on September 29, 1973, and recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. To this marriage were born four boys who were the center of Jack’s life.
Jack never met a stranger. His ornery personality and playful sense of humor made him adored by many. Each of his grandchildren has endless stories of fun times and memories. His grandchildren were the light of his world and there was not anything he would not do for them.
Jack was a dedicated worker, who in addition to his military career, worked for 33 years at Ft. Riley in civil service in the heating and air conditioning shop. He also worked part time at St. Andrew’s Catholic School in Abilene, KS in a variety of roles for 28 years.
Jack was involved in the community being a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Parish, lifetime member of American Legion Post 39, American Legion Riders Chapter 39, VFW Post 3279, Knights of Columbus Council 1661, and Knights of Columbus 4th degree Assembly 290.
Jack was predeceased by his parents Jack Sr. and Norma Olson as well as father and mother-in-law Louis and Betty Schneider. He is survived by his loving wife Brenda of Enterprise, Kansas, sons Chris (Melissa) Olson of Lexington, Illinois, Ryan Olson of Goessel, Kansas, Steven (Kellie) Olson of Abilene, Kansas, and Daniel (Erin) Olson of Topeka, Kansas. Jack is also survived by his grandchildren Jonathan (Lillian), Andrew, Katelyn, Rachel, Benjamen, Michael, Haylie, Levi, Hannah, Rebekah, Noah, Madelyn, and Connor. Jack is also survived by his older brother Greg (Sharon) of Bella Vista, Arkansas.
In lieu of flows, the family requests donations to St. Andrew’s Catholic School or American Legion Riders Chapter 39.