Kenneth Cornelius Olsen age 92 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on Thursday, June 2, 2011 in Lincoln. He was born on August 26, 1918 in Hartington, Nebraska to Cornelius Martin and Lavina (Campbell) Olsen. He graduated from high school and attended the University of Nebraska. On August 27, 1941 Kenneth married Eleanor F. Murphy at Papillion, Nebraska. He served in the US Army from March 27, 1943 to April 16, 1946. Kenneth served in the Central Europe Campaign and attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. His decorations included the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star Medal, EAME Theatre Ribbon, Purple Heart, WW II Victory Medal and American Theatre Ribbon. He also served as an instructor during the Korean War from November 1, 1950 to April 2, 1952. After the war he worked for United States Postal Service as a Personnel Director until he retired. He was a member of the First Plymouth Congregational Church, the Stevens Ministry, the VFW and American Legion.
Kenneth is survived by his daughters, Sandra and Charles Rosecrans of Martell, NE; Marci and Gib Alberti of Lincoln; Barbara and Mike Reid of Fort Worth, Texas; grandsons, David and Jean Rosecrans of Broomfield, CO; Charles Jr. and Tammy Rosecrans of Walton, NE; Matthew and Lori Alberti of Davey, NE; William and Lisa Rosecrans of Omaha; Ryan and Heather Alberti of Lincoln; Chad and Kali Reid of Rolla, ND; Aaron Rosecrans of Martell, NE; Ryan and Johanna Reid of Fort Worth, Texas; 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Eleanor, 4 brothers, 6 sisters and a great-grandson, Sammy Aaron Rosecrans.
The funeral service will be held on Monday, June 6, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home with Pastor Barb Smisek officiating.
Burial with military honors will be in Wyuka Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Tabitha Hospice.
When I hear the word “neighborly” two names and faces immediately come to mind: Kenny and Eleanor Olsen. From 1954 (or so) until 1970 they–along with Sandy, Marci and Barb–were our cherished next-door neighbors. Always there with a kind word, a cup of sugar, a specific nut or bolt for a power tool, babysitting services, gardening and woodworking advice, and wonderful fun in the backyard–especially on July 4th. Such wonderful role models for what it means to be a “good neighbor.” Words simply cannot convey how deeply saddened I am at Kenny’s passing. Our sympathies, love, and gratitude to all of the wonderful Olsen/Rosecrans/Alberti/Reid clan.
Anne Mosher behalf of Lois Mosher, Carl, Meghan and Matthew Vonden Steinen
Kenny was a dear, dear man. Such a kind and generous heart and such a humble spirit! I shall miss seeing him at church, his welcoming smile, his firm handshake, his sense of connection to all who knew him. God blessed him in so many ways and he in turn blessed us. My thoughts are with you.
Judy