Jean Olson

Jean was born in Poplar, Wisconsin, a small rural town where her family had homesteaded generations earlier. Her childhood fostered a strong work ethic and deep resilience, shaped in part by life in a home without indoor plumbing or even a well, and a community where everyone pitched in from a young age. Early in life, her beauty, grace, and intelligence were evident. As a high school student, she lettered in volleyball and was later honored as Homecoming Queen.

Jean pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin, Superior, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education. During her college years, she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, where she formed lifelong friendships and developed early leadership skills. It was there that she met the man who would become her husband and lifelong partner, after inviting him to one of her sorority dances, a story they both enjoyed retelling over the years. Jean married Jim Olson on January 22, 1966, and together they built a life of service and adventure as an Air Force family, living and traveling around the world and forming lasting community wherever they were stationed.

Her commitment to education never waned. In 1968, while caring for an infant, pregnant with her second child, and with her husband stationed remotely in Korea, she earned a master's degree in Child Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Superior. While balancing family life and a demanding career, she later completed a PhD in Chemical Education from Florida State University, reflecting her perseverance and belief in education as a transformative force, particularly for women.

A lifelong educator, Jean served as Chairperson of the Rutherford High School Science Department, was the school's first AP Chemistry teacher, and played a key role in bringing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to students. She was later promoted to Assistant Dean at Rutherford High School. She went on to serve as Assistant Principal of Highland Park Elementary School and Principal of Cherry Street Elementary School, where her steady leadership, belief in children, and support of teachers shaped nurturing and academically strong school communities. She also taught chemistry at Gulf Coast Community College, extending her passion for science and learning to adult students.

Jean's service extended well beyond education. While stationed in Germany, she volunteered with Girl Scouts USA as Head of the Overseas Service Unit for Central Germany, providing leadership and continuity for military families abroad. At Homestead Air Force Base, she served as President of the Officers' Wives Club, Chairman of the Hospital Red Cross, Girl Scout leader, and Superintendent of the Sunday School, overseeing a program serving more than one hundred children. Her husband often said that, had she been the one in uniform, she would have "achieved colonel below the zone." To him, she was, and remains, his hero.

Faith was a constant foundation throughout Jean's life. She was a devoted member of Parkway Presbyterian Church for more than forty years, serving as an ordained elder, President of the Session, Sunday School teacher, and youth leader. Alongside her husband, she opened their home to young people, neighborhood children, and seven foreign exchange students, all of whom knew her lovingly as "Mom."

Jean was also active in civic and professional organizations. She was a member of the Gulf Coast Women's Club, serving on the Education Committee and later as President, and held leadership roles in Alpha Delta Kappa, an international sorority for women educators, as well as in the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Science Teachers.

She was the beloved mother of three daughters, all of whom became accomplished professional scientists, a legacy she cherished quietly and with immense pride. In her later years, she was often cared for by former students who had become medical professionals, a moving testament to the reach of her life's work and the generations she helped shape through education, encouragement, and example.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dolores Lundberg, and by an infant son. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jim Olson; her daughters Jill Scherrer, Rebecca Cosford, and Amanda Kuchta, and their families; her brothers Ken and Jack Lundberg; her cherished "Italian daughter," Deborah Crivelli; and many extended family members and dear friends. The family extends special thanks to Raven Yerrington and Amber Pollard for their devoted care, love, and compassion in Jean's later years.

Jean's remains will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery alongside her infant son.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Parkway Presbyterian Church in Panama City, Florida, on January 17, 2026, at 2 pm.

Services in care of Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home