Arlen A Olson

Celebration of Life Service for Arlen A. Olson will be held on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holcomb Evangelical Free Church, north of Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastors Paul Pletcher and Craig Roberts officiating.  Interment will be held at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, following the services with military honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 of Holdrege in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Arlen Andrew Olson, 70 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Monday, December 10, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer at Tabitha in Crete, Nebraska. Arlen was born June 8, 1948 in Holdrege, the second born of four children to Morris "Mike" and Rose (Blauvelt) Olson. He was dedicated as an infant at the Holcomb Evangelical Free Church, north of Holdrege, and as an adult, Arlen was baptized at the New Life Assembly of God Church in Kearney, Nebraska.

Arlen received his primary education from the Ash Grove, Snowball, and R-4 schools before attending Holdrege High School, where he graduated with the class of 1966. In later years, he attended Western Nebraska Technical College in Sidney, Nebraska.

Following his high school education, Arlen was inducted into the United States Army on March 14, 1968, where he served his country stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. On March 4, 1970, he was honorably discharged, and continued to serve in a reserve capacity until March 13, 1974.

In 1973, Arlen was united in marriage to Carolyn Lambrecht, and to this union one daughter was born, Darcie. Arlen also accepted Carolyn's children as his own and the two families became one. They made their home on a farm north of Holdrege, where Arlen joined the family business, Olson Flying Service. He continued to be involved in Ag Aviation Services for over 40 years.

Arlen's passion involved all kinds of aviation including: aerial spraying, fire-fighting, corporate flying, and he especially enjoyed flight instruction. He loved sharing his passion for flying with others. Not only did he fly single engine planes, but also helicopters, twin engines and float planes. He was active with the Nebraska Aviation Trade Association (NATA), serving as President from 1990 – 1991; the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), teaching safety to fellow pilots; as well as several other aviation related organizations throughout his career. He also enjoyed being involved with church groups at North Park Assembly of God Church in Holdrege.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; one grandson, Blake Lambrecht; and step-son, Lanny Lambrecht.

Arlen leaves to cherish his memory; his daughter, Darcie Ross and her husband, Troy of Crete; two step-daughters:  Kim Jonas and her husband, Todd of Ansley, Nebraska; and Cindy Wilson of Holdrege; his former wife and friend, Carolyn Olson of rural Elm Creek; nine grandchildren:  Hunter and Porter Ross; Emily and Lilly Jonas; Lacey, Brettany and Ethan Wilson; Heather Rice and her husband, Matt; and Amanda Lambrecht; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters: Connie Streeter and her husband, Don of rural Holdrege; and Nancy Naumann and her husband, Darl of Lincoln, Nebraska; one brother, John Olson and his wife, Linda of Holdrege; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial will be established in Arlen's honor, to provide scholarship opportunities to individuals pursuing aviation careers.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com .

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements