Jessica Olson

In Loving Memory of Jessica Olson who was born June 3rd, 1974 and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on March 8th, 2024 at the age of 49. Her fierce passion for life, strong will to live and unwavering faith in God carried her through a 6-year battle with breast cancer.

To know Jess was to love her. She was an amazing mother, wife, daughter, and sister. Her children were the center of her world, and she had an everlasting dedication to guide them with strong values and perseverance. Her kindness was palpable in how she treated those around her and willingness to help. You could always count on Jess to listen and be patient. She would spend many nights with friends and family being a constant listener and at times mediator of debates. She loved being around people and attending all her children’s activities whether it was hockey, basketball, or band concerts, she would be there with her Kettle Moraine gear on.

Jess had an adventurous spirit and explored many places with her family. Jess, Michael, Cameron and Makayla were the traveling Olson’s making their way to many amazing places creating many memories that will last forever. Jess's zest for life was evident in her love for skiing, gardening, and spending time with her kids. She was a people person always enjoying talking with people and making conversation with anyone she met.

Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Jess loved figure skating, skiing, music, basketball and going to Lake Superior State Hockey games with her family. Jess would spend summers with her family at their cabin in Brimley, Michigan enjoying many special moments on the water. Graduating from Sault Ste. Marie High School in 1992, Jess’s unique compassionate spirit and kindness stood out.

Throughout her academic journey, Jess excelled in her studies and was an avid reader which continued through her adult life and passed on to her children. Her intelligence and passion for learning led her to pursue higher education at MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering), where she received her Biomedical Engineering Degree and met her husband, Michael. Jess started her career with GE Healthcare in Waukesha, WI working on Digital Mammography inspiring her to continue her education. Eventually moving to Colorado, she went on to receive her Doctorate of Law from Denver University and becoming a partner at Oppedahl Patent Law firm as a patent attorney.

Jess will always be remembered for her selfless nature, compassionate spirit, sense of humor and ever-growing love for her children. In honoring her memory, let us celebrate the woman who had Sisu and left an indelible mark on our hearts in the way she touched so many lives. “Death is nothing else but going home to God. The bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity” -Mother Theresa

Jess is survived by her devoted husband Michael Olson, children: Cameron and Makayla, loving parents: Diana and William Munsell; brother: Brent (Jennifer) Munsell; nephew and God son: Jacob Jesse; father and mother in Law: Donald and Sarah; sister in law: Stephanie Smith; brother in law: Randall Olson; Nieces: Kaylin and Alexis Olson; uncle: Michael (Anne) Metrish; uncle: Jerry (Beth) Munsell; uncle: Herb Munsell; aunt: Mary (Jon) Johnson; numerous cherished friends and family; and her beloved boxer, Finnegan.

Jess is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Michael and Milada Metrish; paternal grandparents: Lyle and Dorothy Munsell; uncle: Alfred Munsell and nephew: Benjamin Smith

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donating to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in honor of Jess. Your donations will stand as a living tribute to Jess’s fierce unwavering battle to fight breast cancer.

Visitation services will take place on Friday March 22nd from 6:30-8:30pm at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066).

An additional visitation will take place at St. Bruno’s Catholic Parish (226 W. Ottawa Avenue, Dousman, WI 53118) on Saturday March 23rd from 9:00am-10:00am with a Catholic Mass 10:00am-11:00am and a gathering to follow from 11:30am-1:30pm back at Pagenkopf Funeral Home. Jess will be laid to rest this spring in Brimley, Michigan.