Jerome Francis Olszewski

Jerome "Jerry" Olszewski, 87, of Great Falls, died of cancer Tuesday, April 10, at Peace Hospice.

Visitation is 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, followed by a vigil service at 5 p.m., all at O'Connor Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Monday at St. Ann's Cathedral, followed by burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery. O'Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

On April 10, 2012, Jerome "Jerry" Olszewski was wrapped in the mantle of the Virgin Mary and brought home to the Lord.

He was born April 1, 1925, in Harlem, to John and Florence Olszewski. He was raised in Hogeland, where he went to school. He also attended St. John's Preparatory School in Minnesota.

In 1947, he joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. He was recalled during the Korean War, and served time in Okinawa, Japan. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he enjoyed numerous traveling adventures throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. In 1956, he met Ann (Sampson) Olszewski. They were married on Nov. 30, 1957, in Missoula.

Together they raised nine children, Paul Olszewski of Glasgow, Mary McGregor (Jim) of Anacortes, Wash., Mark Ol-szewski of Butte, Steve Olszewski (Kathy) of Great Falls, Roseanne Sweeney (Tom) of Cheyenne, Wyo., Mike Olszewski (Emma) of Clarkston, Wash., Jan Saylors (Ken) of Oklahoma City, Jean Olszewski of Great Falls, and David Olszewski (Karin) of Salem, Ore.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Ruth Brown, who is cherished by the entire family. He also is survived by his brothers, Ted Olszewski, John Olszewski, and Albert Olszewski; and sisters Jackie Kranz and Rosemary Lewis; as well as 21 grandchil-dren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Jerry worked many years in the lumber business in Great Falls. He retired in 1988 from Poulsens, where he was the yard foreman. He enjoyed visiting and telling jokes with his friends at the Westside Vets Club.

As a talented woodworker, Jerry enjoyed crafting items for his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed working on other projects as well. He also was an avid Montana history buff, and after retirement traveled the state with his companion Ruth on many adventures.

His parents and his loving wife, Ann, preceded Jerry in death.

His family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Peace Hospice of Montana, 1101 26th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405, or River's Edge Trail, c/o Recreational Trails Inc., P.O. Box 553, Great Falls, MT 59403.

Condolences may be posted online at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.