Rodney E. Olson

Rodney E. Olson, 94, of Cedar Rapids, NE passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society, Albion, NE.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 24, 2025, at the United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids, NE with Rev. Lynde Linde officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, NE with military rites conducted by Dan Cox American Legion Post #44 of Cedar Rapids, NE, and the Army Funeral Honors Guard. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Sunday at the church.

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

Rodney E. Olson, son of Walter and Esther (Ehn) Olson was born in Swedehome, NE in Polk County on January 26, 1931, to Swedish immigrants. He was baptized at the Evangelical Free Church in Polk, NE. Rodney attended Swedehome elementary and Polk High School. Then in 1947 the family moved to Cedar Rapids, NE. Following high school Rodney joined the Army and was a truck driver in France and Germany from 1953 until is honorable discharge in 1955.

On October 18, 1958, Rodney married Lois L Fitzsimmons at the United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, NE. From this union Rodney was blessed with two children. Rodney and Lois made their home a farm west of town where they raised their family. Rodney enjoyed working the land and teaching his children the ways of being a farmer.

Rodney was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church. He also a part of the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting and reading history. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Rodney is survived by his two children: Rodney Jr. (Shari) Olson of Blue Hill, NE; Ranita (Tom Sr.) Buettner of Cedar Rapids, NE; 7 grandchildren: Nena Rutten of Cedar Rapids, NE; Tina (Miguel) Karmann of Cedar Rapids, NE; Tom (Megan) Buettner of Greeley, NE; Jeff (April) Buettner of Cedar Rapids, NE; Krista (Dustin) Karr of Campbell, NE; Leah (Erik) Anderjaska of Hays Center, NE; Danica (Daniel) Vincent of Gering, NE; 18 great-grandchildren; Kaimyn and Hunter Rutten; Payton and Brigham Loeffler; Shelby and Colt Karmann; Hadlee, Hayes and Harlow Buettner; Myles Buettner; Logan, Charlotte, Isla Karr; Mikah, Eliana, and Alexander Anderjaska; Mary Jayne and Baby Girl Vincent; sisters-in-law: Mary Jane DeMuth; Mickey Fastnacht; Maurine Fitzsimmons; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Lois Olson in 2015; five siblings: Raymond Olson; Ruby (Lloyd) Spencer; Richard Olson; Rosalind (Forest) Huffman; Rachel (Eugene) Lampshire; one grandson-in-law: Toma Rutten; brothers-in-law: Gene DeMuth; Kenneth Fastnacht; Richard Fitzsimmons; and Billy (Betty) Fitzsimmons.