Jenola Olesen

Jenola Olesen, 93, formerly of Hurley, passed away on May 12, 2026 at Legends on Lake Lorraine, Sioux Falls, surrounded by her family. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Harmony Presbyterian Church, Hurley. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Jenola Fern Harms was born on January 11th, 1933 in rural Lennox to Jacob and Abena Harms. She was the youngest of six daughters and one son.

She was married to Wesley Holger Olesen in Lennox on June 5th, 1953. Wesley and Jenola farmed west of Viborg for 7 years and then moved to Hurley in 1960.

Jenola was employed by Pioneer Memorial Hospital for many years. First as a nurses aid, and then as a pharmaceutical tech. After her retirement, she enjoyed working with all of her flowers and baking treats for her grandchildren.

Wes and Jen moved to Primrose Retirement Community in Sioux Falls. After Wes passed away, Jen stayed in Sioux Falls at Sunnycrest for several years and then moved to Aberdeen for two years. At the time of her death, she was residing at The Legends on Lake Lorraine in Sioux Falls.

She was a member of Harmony Presbyterian Church in Hurley, SD.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Pamela Staebell, Sioux Falls; Bryan Olesen (Cindy), Freeman, SD; Lisa (Todd) Buckstead, Aberdeen, SD; 8 grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Neufeld, Megan (Dave) VerSteeg, Jason (Dominique) Schenkel, Kelli (Tom) Broders, Katie (Tanner) Gates, Samantha (Ricky) Reyes, Zoe (Andrew) Tobin; 14 Great grandchildren Julia, Joe, Thomas, Ellie, Preston, Olivia, Brogan, Kendall, Kinsley, Treston, Chase, Teague, Constance and Gabriel.

Those who have gone before her are her husband Wesley, son-in-law Mike Staebell, her grandson Chris Schenkel, five sisters, Dena Harms, Rena Sinning, Tena Bunger, Minnie Handwerk, Iva Dykstra and one brother Harmannus Harms.