Jerry K. Olson, passed on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. He was born Dec. 16, 1939 in Salina to Lucille and Chester Olson.

He was a long-time employee of The Salina Journal. He was a paper carrier at the age of 10, worked part-time in the mail room at age 16. Became full time in the mail room upon graduation from Salina High School in 1957, moving to the composing room the next year and experienced the transformation in modern printing firsthand from the end of hot-type to cold-type to pagination. He ultimately became foreman and served in union leadership as the Secretary/Treasurer of Salina Typographical 638 for 30 years. He retired on his birthday in December, 1995.

Jerry was an avid outdoorsman, woodworker and collector. He was an engaging storyteller with a distinctive laugh and the lead card player at family gatherings.

He served on the Church Council at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Jerry was the president of the Kansas Knife Collectors Association and a Life Member of both the NRA and the National Knife Collectors Association.

Survived by Kandie, his wife of 43 years; two sons, David and John (Briana); and three step-sons Eric, Brian (Amy) and Tony Hummell; 10 grandchildren: Tabitha Ash, Teresa Ash, Joshua Olson, Carlie Olson, Samantha Olson, Elizabeth Olson, Ashley Hummell, Audrey Hummell, Walter Hummell and Graham Hummell; and 7 great grandchildren.

A private family service will be held at 1 p.m. February 19, 2021 at Ryan Mortuary.

In honor of his love of his hometown, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made to the Salina Area United Way in care of Ryan Mortuary.