Jill Lynn Olson

MADISON- Jill L. Olson, age 59, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, at UW Hospital and Clinic after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Dec. 23, 1959, in Madison, the daughter of Roy and Geraldine (Craig) Kruger. Jill married Ben Olson on June 17, 2000, in Madison. She worked as a transit operator for Madison Metro, retiring on Aug. 31, 2017, and then briefly shared her loving spirit while working for Hy-Vee. She was an active member of the Eagles Club. Jill was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. She enjoyed camping, especially to Silver Springs, trips to the casino, playing BINGO, cards, and gardening. Her grandchildren were very important and meant the world to her, and having a part in helping to raise both Zaria and Cierra made her as happy has she had ever been. All of her life she loved animals, having many pets that she loved dearly. Sasha, Rollie, Polly, Toby, Cahsius, Sage, Belle, Meeps, and Buddy, were just a few of her fur babies. In the summer if she wasn’t grilling way too much food, she wasn’t happy. Jill had a skill for organizing any and all family functions, and was the glue that kept the multiple families she was in charge of together. Her love of all holidays, especially Halloween, was almost as legendary as her potato salad. Jill was the most giving and loving person anyone could possibly be blessed enough to come across in this world. She enjoyed weekends spent at East Madison Little League almost as much as her boys did. Jill loved her family with all her heart, especially taking pride in her close relationship with her father and mother, and will so deeply be missed by all. Jill is survived by her husband, Ben; mother, Inez; three sons, Don D. (Michelle Hasz) Kruger, Frank J. Kruger and Tyrone W. Martin; three daughters, Allison L. Olson, Erin M. Olson, and Ashley J. Kumar; three brothers, Tom (Jynon) Kruger, Craig (Jane) Kruger and Jack Kruger; three granddaughters, Zaria A. Echols, Cierra K. Kruger and Azia M. Austin; three grandsons, Jake M. Martin, Hunter L. Kruger and Jaylen L. Austin; sister-in-law, Holly (LaVerne) Stark; brother-in-law, Scott (Denise) Olson; and her cat and dog, Meep and Buddie. She is further survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy W. Kruger; brother, Gary Kruger; sister, Sue Barker; and sisters-in-law, Sharon Kruger and Nancy Kruger. A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 Noon on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, and also from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221 5420