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Roger H. Olson, age 84, passed away January 24, 2020 at his home in Blair. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 30 at 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church in Blair. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the service, there will be a luncheon at First Lutheran Church. Interment will be held in the Minden, Iowa Cemetery.

Roger was born on July 28, 1935 in Garfield, Minnesota, the son of Fred and Gladys Olson. Roger graduated from high school in Alexandria, Minnesota from Gustavus College in St. Peter, Minnesota and he received a master's degree from Kansas State University. Prior to coming to Blair, Roger taught math at Tarkio College in Tarkio, MO for five years and at Dana College in Blair for 35 years. He was a very active member of First Lutheran Church in Blair and a charter member of the Blair Kiwanis Club. Roger enjoyed spending time with nieces and nephews, reading and doing crossword puzzles, having coffee with friends and watching sports events.

Roger is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 45 years, as well as many nieces and nephews, Dana College faculty and students and other friends.

Memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church, Danish American Archives of Blair or the American Cancer Society.

#2-Published in the Omaha World Herald January 28, 2020

Olson, Roger July 28, 1935 - January 24, 2020 Survived by wife, Dorothy; nieces and nephews; Dana College faculty and students; many friends. FUNERAL: 10:30am Thursday at First Lutheran Church, Blair. Visitation: one hour prior to services. Luncheon following service. Burial: Minden, Iowa Cemetery. Campbell Aman Funeral Home 444 S. 17th Street, Blair, NE 68008 www.campbellaman.com

#3 Funeral Leaflet

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In Loving Memory of Roger Frederick Olson

Born July 28, 1935 Garfield, Minnesota; Entered Into Rest January 24, 2020 Blair, Nebraska

Funeral Service 10:30 AM Thursday, January 30, 2020 First Lutheran Church, Blair, Nebraska. Officiating: Pastor Scott Frederickson. Organist: Clare Cowing. Soloist: Duey Heffelfinger. Musical Selections: “Amazing Grace”, “Softly and Tenderly”, “The Lord’s Prayer”, “How Great Thou Art”

Pallbearers: Dr. David Kundel, Dr. Ray L. Kundel, Dr. Richard Kundel, Steve Kundel, Roger Olsen, Brian Olsen, Dave Brenny

Honorary Pallbearers: John Olson, David Olson, Larren Olson, Allan Olson, Doug Schreve

Place of Rest: Minden Cemetery, Minden, Iowa.

Tributes:

#1 Myrv Christopherson, former Dana president, January 24, 2020

Roger

My son just told me that Roger died,

I was quiet a moment, then I cried,

I shed my tears in sorrow, sure,

But, also because I was blessed by his tour.

On this earth and now with his Savior,

I found Roger faithful in all his labor.

Proud of his Gustavus and Swedish ancestry,

He regarded teaching worth of ministry.

Math students from Dana will miss his smile,

How he approached problems with a unique style.

For Roger teaching and learning meant preparation,

He cared for each student, and expected participation.

His love of learning went beyond the classroom.

With beloved Dorothy, sought all he could consume.

Roger was a loyal and enthusiastic sports fan,

And proudly supported both Minnesota and Dana.

His service to Conference athletics was widely known,

He held high standards; expected sportsmanship to be shown.

His commitment to community was displayed to the end,

First Lutheran, and Blair Kiwanis had no better friend.

I’ll always prize his enthusiasm for life and people.

If sharing was the church, Roger would be the steeple.

I count it gain to have known Roger Olson,

A teacher who made faith and learning his potion.

I know Dorothy and so many more, will miss him,

We who knew him, were rewarded by his life mission.

Gracious God, receive him to your eternal rest,

And comfort Dorothy and all who felt his zest.

#2 by Carolyn Kundel, Roger’s sister-in-law

I have enjoyed a lifetime of Christian fellowship with my sister, Dorothy, and her husband, Roger. We were college teachers with the same vacation times so we would often go on vacations with our youngest brother, Richard and his three daughters.

During retirement Roger always had coffee with the men at 10AM. This was the perfect time for me to call Dorothy to discuss farm decisions and family activities.

After we graduated from high school, mm sent monthly family letters to her nine Kundel children. After mom and dad died, for the past 30 years, Dorothy and I continued to write the Kundel family letters to our brothers and sisters and their spouses and more than 30 nieces and nephews who now live in California, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Iowa.

Roger was our editor and typist and computer expert who made our letters look beautiful. Our letters, family reunions, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and attending weddings and graduations have helped us remain a close-knit family.

I have always enjoyed Roger’s kind demeanor, his lively discussions, his wonderful sense of humor, and his love for life and service to others.

I could not have asked for a nicer brother-in-law.

#3 by Karla Broman, family friend

When Roger came to Blair and Dana in 1964, I was barely 4 years old. As I think back, I really don’t have any memory of a time that I didn’t know Roger. He and my dad taught math together at Dana and in those early years he was a frequent dinner guest at our home. I remember going with my family to watch the Super Bowl at his apartment and later to have dinner at Dorothy’s apartment. We have old photos of celebrating birthdays with Roger and Dorothy. As kids, my brother and I always looked forward to the Kiwanis Halloween Party and visiting with Roger while we were there. I remember how special it was when Roger and Dorothy got married. When I went to Dana, one of my majors was Mathematics, so I spent a lot of time in Roger’s classes. He was always patient and willing to spend time to make sure I understood how to work the problems. For many years my parents and Roger and Dorothy had season tickets to the Omaha Community Playhouse and each summer would spend a weekend enjoying the plays presented by the Brownville Village Theater. After my mom passed away, I have been fortunate to be able to accompany my dad and the Olson’s to these productions and to participate in the discussions that inevitably followed each one. With Roger’s passing I feel like I have lost a family member. Rest in peace, Roger, and give Mom a hug for us.

Remembering Roger—from nieces and nephews to Dorothy

We celebrate the life of your dear husband and life-long companion, Roger, who was a man of great integrity, strong faith, and steadfast humor and wisdom. He leaves a legacy in all aspects of his life. He now gets to spend eternity with the King of all Kings, and our great savior, Jesus. We will pray for you as you continue living this side of heaven, navigating your new normal while grieving your tremendous loss. We love you very much and we are here with you and for you—Lisa and Karl

Dorothy, I’m so sad and sorry for your immense loss. Roger was a huge part of our childhood. I wish I could be there. Sending you all my love, Lindsey

Roger is looking down at us now and he loved us all so much. I am so sorry, Dorothy. I am praying for your strength through this horrible time. Thank you for letting us know. We love you forever, Amelia

We love you both so much and are praying for you. Your “granddaughter” and niece, Megan Kundel

~~~Obituaries and funeral leaflet courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #206507820