Ralph Martin Olson passed away on March 4, 2016 in Lincoln, NE. Ralph was born to Robert Otto Olson and Josephine Thelma Williams in Burwell, NE on October 28, 1933. As a young man, Ralph served in the Navy as a pilot. He married Janice Carol Hallberg April 3, 1958 after meeting at a dance in college at the University of Nebraska. He graduated from UNL in 1958. Growing up in a large farm family, Ralph learned to build and fix anything, and built the three family homes brick-by-brick, from the ground up. He played sports and trombone in high school and as an adult, taught himself to play guitar and saxophone. Ralph loved travelling, rodeos, dancing with his wife, and flying.
Ralph is survived by his wife Janice and their three children, Terry and Cindy Olson, Pamela Olson, Tamela and Richard Kaufman, and his four granddaughters, Kristin and Kara Olson and Kelsey and Kiera Kaufman. He is also survived by his sisters, Clara Smolik and Helen Wilson.
Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 7, 2016 at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until service time on Monday, March 7th.
Interment with military honors will be at Wyuka Cemetery.
Memorials to the Nebraska Heart Association.
We are sorry to see Ralph’s passing in the paper. We think of you often. Our sincere condolences to You Janice and your family. Many great memories of you all.
Sincerely Joyce and Harlan Arington.
Sorry to hear about your Dad passing. I’m glad he chose to move you guys onto our Francis street hood. Our prayers go out to you and your families.
While I didn’t know Ralph well, I feel I know the gifts he gave his daugther, Pamela – resilience, confidence, love of music, a “can do” attitude about almost anything, and a zest for life. Ralph was a blessing on this earth and I’m grateful that I have shared his obit.
Janice,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at the passing of your husband.
Marge (Dunn)Kehm
Olson/Kaufman family,
God will be with all of you as you mourn the loss of a husband, father, and grandfather. I am praying for all of you to find your way through this difficult time with the help of your family and dearest friends. Please know that you are surrounded by love and support as you work through your grief.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hejdå, bye bye, dear Ralph. Thank you for a great friendship over the oceans. See you again!
To the Olson Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family and this world has lost a very special and remarkable man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Janice,
Tom and I want to extend our condolences to you and your family. We regret that we are not able to attend the funeral but our thoughts will be with you.
Take care.
Tom and Marie Vodvarka
Dr. Olson and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I am sure you have many pleasant memories of him.
With sincere sympathy,
Terry Newby
We have lost a wonderful man and friend. I am so glad Ralph and I had a great 30 minute visit at the Pla Mor. We had so much in common. We are thankful for the good memories we have with Janice and Ralph that we get to keep forever!
Bobby Layne