Dorothy Lee "Dottie" Olson

Dorothy "Dottie" Lee Olson, 93, of Albion, NE, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Edgewood Vista Memory Care in Columbus, NE.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Levander Funeral Home, Albion, NE with Chaplain Mark Hartley officiating. Private family interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for a later designation.

Dorothy "Dottie" Lee Olson, daughter of Julius J. and Vivian I. (Mills) Freese, was born on July 7, 1932, in Albion, Nebraska. She attended country school west of Albion and later graduated from Albion High School with the Class of 1949. Following graduation, Dottie received her normal training to become a teacher, beginning a life devoted to learning, faith, and family.

On November 20, 1952, Dottie married the love of her life, Raymond C. Olson, at Zion Lutheran Church. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership that spanned more than six decades. Following their wedding, Dottie joined Ray in Long Island, New York, while he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. After his discharge, they returned home to Nebraska, where they built a life rooted in love and raised their four children: Laurie, Chris, Julie, and Dan.

Dottie was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. Her faith guided her daily life and inspired her service to others. She joyfully shared her time teaching Sunday School and Bible Study.

Dottie (Dot) had a nurturing heart and a creative spirit. She loved tending to her garden and filling her home with the beauty of fresh flowers. Her kitchen was always warm with the smell of good food and the sound of family laughter. She enjoyed dancing with Ray, crocheting, quilting, sewing, cooking, and reading-always keeping her hands and mind busy. Of all her joys, none meant more to her than time spent with her family. She loved the challenge of a competitive card or board game with loved ones at the kitchen table. The family learned at an early age that Dottie intended to win, earning her the nickname "The She!" Dot especially cherished watching her grandchildren's activities and celebrating their accomplishments. Her love and pride in her family were evident to everyone who knew her.

Dottie is survived by her four children: Laurie (Steve) Nye of Omaha, NE; Chris (Nialie) Olson of Albion, NE; Julie (Sean) Putnam of Lincoln, NE; and Dan (Jean) Olson of Albion, NE. She is lovingly remembered by her twelve grandchildren: Amanda (Bill) Bitting; Cassandra Olson; Zachary (Caitlin) Olson; Nathan (Michelle) Olson; Joshua (Mollie) Barnes; Brian Barnes; Danielle Olson; Jacob (Morgan) Olson; Logan (Victoria) Olson; Chel (Matt) Radford; Kailie McDermott-Korth; and Rylie McDermott; as well as eleven great-grandchildren: Lainey and Wylie Bitting; Hailey and Hunter Olson; Raymond John Olson; Baby Girl Olson, Michael, Danielle, and Samuel Radford; Edwin Korth and Lyla Samuelson. She is also survived by her sister, Karen Cline of Olathe, KS; sister-in-law, Ruth (Doyle) Essink of Chino Valley, AZ; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray, in 2019; and her sister, Carol (Mike) Flanagan and numerous other relatives and friends.

The family wishes to express deep appreciation and thanks for the extraordinary care provided to Dottie (Dot) by Edgewood Vista Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice.

Dorothy Olson's Slideshow