Elliott "Ole" Olesen

Memorial Services for Elliott R. "Ole" Olesen will be conducted from the Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverends Jamie Strickler and Darrel Wissmann, officiating. Private family interment will be held prior to the services at the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege. Military Honors will be provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 of Holdrege in conjunction with the United State Army National Guard Military Honors Team.

Elliott Rae "Ole" Olesen, 85 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Monday, November 19, 2012 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Ole was born on June 6, 1927 at Minden, Nebraska, the youngest of two children born to Clarence and Millie (Christiansen) Olesen. Ole received his education from Minden Public Schools. In early years, Ole worked in Land leveling and drove truck out of Minden. He also hauled P.O.W.'s out of the Atlanta Prisoner of War Camp. On September 7, 1945 he was inducted into U.S. Army, serving his country until he was honorably discharged on November 16, 1946.

On June 16, 1951 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Lindstrom at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege and to this union two children were born: Tommy and Diane. The family made their home in Holdrege, where Ole was employed as a Lineman for Southern Power District for 38 years. During his retirement years Ole enjoyed helping his son, Tommy on the farm, as well as several area farmers.

He was always willing to lend a helping hand, even to those he did not know. He loved being around people!

Ole was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, where he ushered for many years. He also delivered bulletins from church to members that could not attend services.

Besides his parents, Ole was preceded in death by his sister, Chrystal Keedle and her husband, Aljern.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn of Holdrege; two children: Tommy R. Olesen and his wife, Janis of Smithfield, Nebraska, Diane K. Samuelson and her husband, Kent of Loomis, Nebraska; six grandchildren: Shannon Hueftle and her husband, Bobby of Smithfield, Drew Olesen and his wife, Jessie of Bertrand, Adriane Garrett and her husband, John of Hordville, Nebraska, Andy Samuelson and his wife, Henny of Holdrege, Adam Samuelson and his wife, Jeni of Axtell, Nebraska, and Amy Rademaker and her husband, Sean of Holdrege; twelve great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law: Cathryn Alexander and her husband, DeWayne of Gothenburg, Nebraska, Millie Brown and her husband, Jim of Holdrege, and Martha Lindstrom of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in his memory and will be designated at a later date.

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 arrangement.