Ardell "Ole" Jerome Olnes Sr.

Ardell J. Olnes, Sr., 95, of Albion, NE, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the Boone County Health Center in Albion, NE.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Albion Vets Club. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 162 and VFW Post 736 of Albion, NE and the Navy Funeral Honor Guard at approximately 3:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, plants are requested by the family.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Ardell "Ole" Jerome Olnes, Sr., son of John and Alma (Thorberg) Olnes was born on October 10, 1929, in Boone County, NE. He milked cows in exchange for room and board in order to attended Albion High School and graduated in 1948. Ardell later enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 and worked as an aircraft mechanic helper, until 1955 when he took a civilian job.

In 1964 he married Marjorie Wolger, taking her children as his own. He later went on to marry Carolyn S. (Brown) Schultz on March 6, 1976, at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in San Mateo, CA. They lived in the San Mateo area of California where Ardell worked as a bartender and meter reader supervisor at PG & E. In 1985 they moved to Albion, NE where they owned and operated the Daylight Donut Shop. He was the janitor at the Zion Lutheran Church for several years. After selling the donut shop, he took a job as a flagger for the NE Department of Roads until he retired at the age of 78.

Ardell had a large, blended family. He was always taking people in and helping those in need.

Ardell was a member of the American Legion and VFW in Albion, NE. He enjoyed attending auctions, gardening, classic cars, and having drinks with his buddies. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones and making memories to last a lifetime.

Ardell is survived by his children: Marjie Staffaroni of Fremont, CA; Diane (Rudy) Waibel of Rio Vista, CA; Claudia (Brian) Dovedot of Campbell, CA; Michael Olnes of St. Edward, NE; Laura (Will) Nuckolls of Hulett, WY; Aric (Michael Thomas) Olnes of Pioneer, CA; Ardell Olnes Jr. of Genoa, NE; Amy Nix of St. Edward, NE; Barbara (Frank) Matchett of Boone, NE; daughter-in-law: Rose Delongi of Delaware; brother: John (Cynthia) Olnes of Anchorage, AK; sister-in-law: Lavonne Olnes of Plainview, NE; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, and great-great nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Carolyn; two sons: Bill Olnes and Tad Schultz; siblings: Marvin Olnes, Sr.; Lowell Olnes; Janis Coulter; sister-in-law: Betty Olnes; brother-in-law: Duane Coulter; son-in-law: Lou Staffaroni; daughter-in-law: Mary Olnes; grandchildren: Baby Alexander and Baby Nix; great grandchild Baby Colbert; great niece: Amanda Olnes