Evelyn Olson

M. Evelyn Olson was born January 10, 1930, on the family farm near Minatare, NE to Edwin and Edna (Lipe) Carlson. She was the 6th of 7 children and grew up in the Lake Minatare community. She shared many happy adventures with her family and friends as she grew up ice skating, bike riding, and developing her lifelong love of music, singing duets and playing the piano with her family. Evelyn attended Fairview Elementary #50 and graduated with high honors from Scottsbluff High School. After high school, Evelyn worked at the courthouse in Scottsbluff as a clerk for a county judge. She was proud of her time spent working for Judge Ted Feidler and had many fond memories of working there.

Evelyn was united in marriage to Laddie Olson on August 16, 1955. She and Laddie worked many years together on the farm, building their business and raising their four children. Even after moving to town, they continued to be involved in the family farm, sharing over 65 years together in this endeavor. Evelyn was an active member of the Round Valley community. She was a dedicated extension club member and assisted her children with their various 4-H projects, music lessons, and sports activities. All four of her children attended Round Valley School where she took an active role in their education, supporting teachers and students alike by providing musical accompaniment for music festivals and programs. Learning was important to Evelyn, and she encouraged her children to always continue their education. She enjoyed home decorating projects, baking and decorating cakes and serving fabulous meals. Her grandchildren continue to honor her by preparing some of her favorite recipes in their homes. She was always quick to think of others and volunteer her time. A more thoughtful and caring hostess could not be found. An abundant garden was a part of every year on the farm. Much food was shared and preserved as she prepared numerous meals for the many farm workers that were often around her table. She loved being in her yard and cultivating any kind of plants. Her houseplants and flowers have been shared with friends, neighbors and family over the years. Evelyn was an amazing seamstress and avid crocheter. She loved gifting blankets, doilies, prayer shawls, and baby booties to family and friends.

Evelyn was a lifelong learner and continued daily word puzzles, scripture study, devotions and jigsaw puzzles her entire life. She kept abreast of the latest technology by taking computer classes- learning new computer programs and creating computer projects. Evelyn learned to text on her cell phone in her 80s and cherished communicating with her family and friends. She loved history and spent countless hours researching her family’s genealogy. She was a proud member of the General George A. Custer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Evelyn held various positions in the chapter and was incredibly patriotic. Evelyn was a member of the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow and spent many years as a 3rd Grade Sunday School teacher. She participated in various Bible study groups and women’s groups. Evelyn’s strong faith was a shining example for her family, her neighbors and friends and those who cared for her in her final years. Her daily prayer list was specific and personalized. Many of her caregivers shared how she prayed for and encouraged them, impacting their daily lives. Evelyn was loving, caring and devoted toward her family and friends throughout her life. She carried that love and appreciation of others through her final hours. 

Evelyn passed peacefully to her eternal reward at CountryHouse in Kearney, NE with loving family at her side on January 11, 2025, one day after celebrating her 95th birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Laddie, her parents, Edwin and Edna Carlson, her sisters, Alma, Belva, and Edwina and brothers Alfred, Beryl and Vernon.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Barbara (Brian) Olson of Pleasanton, NE, Duane (Sherrie) Olson of rural Broken Bow, Kent (Nora) Olson of rural Broken Bow and Karen (William) Owen of Divide, CO. Grandchildren include Michael (Brianna) Olson of Grand Island, Melissa (Rob) Farris of Louisville, Mitchell Olson of Kearney, Zackary (Samantha) Olson of Ansley, James Olson of Lusk, WY, Vanessa (Nathan) Sneed of Hot Springs, SD, Josie (Logan) Riales of Bonham, TX, Elizabeth, Rachel, Cassandra, Joshua, and Danielle Olson of rural Broken Bow, Amanda (Corey) Fletcher of Bonaire, GA, Johnathon Owen of Arvada, CO and Hannah (Steven) Stratton of Arvada, CO. Great-grandchildren; Ella and Paxton Olson of Grand Island, Isabelle and Owen Farris of Louisville, NE, Kaylee, Ryan and Ethan Olson of Ansley, NE, Eli Laddie Sneed of Hot Springs, SD and Elias Fletcher of Bonaire, GA. Evelyn is also survived by her sister-in-law, Cecel Carlson of Scottsbluff and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Broken Bow United Methodist Church in Broken Bow, NE. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 15th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary with family greeting friends 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and words of encouragement can be left at www.govierbrothers.com Memorials are suggested to the Broken Bow United Methodist Church or the D.A.R. Chapter in Broken Bow.