Gwenda Nell "Gwen" Olson Harden

A memorial service for Gwenda Nell (Martin) Olson Harden will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Holdrege Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastor Sarah Fisher officiating.

Gwenda Nell "Gwen" (Martin) Olson Harden, 90 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Gwen was born January 30, 1935, in Kearney, Nebraska, the first of four children born to R.L. and Eleanor (Marlatt) Martin. She received her education from Axtell Public Schools and later attended and graduated from Minden Public Schools with the class of 1953.

She pursued higher education from Kearney Teachers College and then taught in rural schools north of Minden, Heartwell, and Funk.

On June 25, 1954, Gwen was united in marriage to Kenneth H. "Kenney" Olson, and to this union three children were born: Scott, Beth, and Sue. The family made their home south of Funk, where Gwen spent most of her life on the farm being a farmer's wife, while Kenney engaged in farming and a cow/calf operation, until his passing.

On August 14, 2010, Gwen was united in marriage to Robert H. "Bob" Harden. Bob and Gwen enjoyed spending time traveling throughout the United States. They also enjoyed traveling to several locations to add to their collection of Jewel T Autumn Leaf Pattern Pottery.

Gwen enjoyed playing cards, giving programs for different organizations, and the Monday Morning Coffee Bunch. All her life, Gwen loved to sing. In high school, she took voice lessons at Hastings Presbyterian College and sang for many weddings and funerals. Gwen sang many solos but especially liked to sing with her mother, children, and later in life with the Sweet Adelines.

She was a member of Holdrege Methodist Church, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and being a member of the United Methodist Women. Gwen was a 4-H leader for many years and a charter member of the Farmerette Club.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Teresa Sue Olson; her two husbands:  Kenney in 2008; and Robert H. "Bob" Harden in 2014; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Elaine Martin; Lois Rydlund and her husband, Bill; Loretta Sturgis; Lucile Soneson and her husband, Gordon; and Rogene Peterson.

She leaves to celebrate her life, her children: Scott Olson and his wife, Vicky of rural Axtell, Nebraska; and Beth Kabes of Leigh, Nebraska; seven grandchildren: Jason Olson and his wife, Hallie; Candice Vinton and her husband, Darren; Crystal Klug and her husband, Beau; Curtis Olson and his wife, Jade; Myles Kabes and his wife, Caitlin; Zach Kabes and his wife, Jill; and Kenton Kabes and his wife, Nicole; twenty-two great-grandchildren with one on the way; her siblings: James Martin; Ginger Petersen and her husband, Jim; Tony Martin and his wife, Carol; two brothers-in-law: Dale Sturgis; and Paul Peterson; and other relatives and friends.

There will not be a memorial book signing or visitation the evening prior to the service. The family is honoring Gwen's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Gwen's honor and kindly suggested to Holdrege Methodist Church.

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.