Kenneth A. Olnes

Kenneth “Ken” A. Olnes, 65, of Albion, NE, died peacefully at the Douglas County Health Center in Omaha, NE, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Albion, NE, with Rev. Carolann Hopcke officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion, NE, with military rites conducted by American Legion Post #162 and VFW Post #736 of Albion, NE and the Air Force Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Aseracare Hospice Omaha or to a charity of your choice.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth "Ken” Ardell Olnes was born on April 11, 1961, in Albion, NE to Marvin Leroy and Betty Lou (Carver) Olnes Sr. Ken grew up on a farm outside Albion as part of a large family. He attended District 57 grade school and Albion Public Schools where he participated in cross country, wrestling, music, and track. Ken graduated from Albion High School with the class of 1979. He then attended Wayne State College for two years before enlisting in the United States Air Force.

During his four years of military service, Ken specialized in fueling jet aircraft. Among his assignments, his favorite deployment was to Okinawa, Japan. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Nebraska and worked in a variety of occupations, including Swift Meat Packing, Albion Farmers Co-op, Lindsay Manufacturing, and basement construction. His most recent employment was with Country Laminates in Albion. Throughout his life, Ken was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and dedication.

Outside of work, Ken had a passion for staying informed about local, national, and world events. He rarely passed up the opportunity to read a newspaper and enjoyed watching news programs from every perspective. He had an impressive memory for historical events. Ken also enjoyed watching sports and cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Friends and family will remember him for his quick wit, generous heart, and easygoing personality.

Ken is survived by his siblings: Marvin (Marcia) Olnes Jr. of Yankton, SD; Sally Carlson of Lincoln, NE; James (Becky) Olnes of Albion, NE; Richard Olnes of Albion, NE; Kathy (Bill) Wright of Lincoln, NE; Paul (Kathleen) Olnes of Omaha, NE. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Marvin (Jodi) Olnes III of Yankton, SD; Mary (Klint) Holscher of Lincoln, NE; Andrew (Julie) Carlson of Battle Creek, NE; Curtis (Lisa) Carlson of Wahoo, NE; Jason (Amy) Olnes of Albion, NE; Shawn (Amber) Olnes of Albion, NE; Tyler Olnes of Petersburg, NE; A.J. (Emily) Olnes of Alexandria, VA; along with many great-nieces; great-nephews; and one great-great-nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents: John and Alma (Thorberg) Olnes; and Robert and Mildred (Beyer) Carver.

The Olnes family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Omaha VA Medical Center, Douglas County Health Center, and Aseracare Hospice for the compassionate care, dignity, and kindness they provided throughout Ken's illness.