Andy L. Olson

1940 - 2023

Andy L. Olson, longtime local business owner and cattleman of Hershey, died on Nov. 14, 2023, at the age of 83. Andy was born on April 30, 1940, to George and Berdeen Olson of Hershey. He grew up and attended school in Hershey, graduating from Hershey High School in 1958, and attended Kearney State Teachers College. While in college, Andy met the love of his life, Marcia Alberts. They were united in marriage on June 10, 1962, and made their home in Hershey. Marcia and Andy were blessed with three children, Kirk, Kim and Kendra, and 61 years of marriage. Strong work ethic began early as Andy helped his grandparents and parents. He worked with his father, George, at the Olson Fertilizer Company and did some construction work where he helped in the building of Hershey Public School. Andy's love for farming and ranching comes from his Grandpa Andrew and his father, George. He began his business career in 1954 with the purchase of three mares which led to his long career of raising Lazy U Quarter Horses. By 1964, he and his father incorporated Olson Farms; custom cattle feeding was added to the operation in 1986. Andy was a progressive cattle feeder. He kept up with his thoughts and with the industry; he was always open to trying new ideas. Conservation was also a priority as he implemented numerous conservation practices in his operation and he supported the schools, shelters and food pantries in the area with beef. Some of his greatest moments were in sale barns. He always attended the Tuesday sale and loved a horse sale. What Andy learned from his grandparents, parents and his own experiences, he has passed on to his children and grandchildren. Andy wanted people to achieve their dreams and believed in supporting the youth in local and national agriculture programs. He was active in the Hershey community and belonged to Maria Lutheran Church. Among his awards and recognitions, Andy was named honorary member of the Paxton FFA Chapter; served as Hershey Fall Festival Parade Marshal; received the North Platte Business of the Year award; was a founding member of the Hershey Lions Club; and served on the board of Maria Lutheran Church. Andy was a family man and a man of faith. He was also very good at having fun with his close friends. His family and friends benefited from his sophisticated problem-solving skills, no matter if it was business or ...... Andy had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. He leaves a lasting legacy and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Berdeen and George Olson; and his sister, Janelle Emert. Andy is survived by his wife, Marcia; children, Kirk (Tracy) Olson of North Platte, Kim (Keith) Luttrell of Kearney and Kendra (Paul) Strommen of Sidney; grandchildren, Dayna (Trey) Wasserburger, Caitlyn (Patrick) Jacobson and Jayde (Luke) Winkelbauer; great-grandchildren, Westyn, Gentry, Gwyn and Wacey; his sister, Georgena (Alan) Arnett of Loveland, Colorado; neices, nephews and cousins; and many other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Maria Lutheran Church or Lincoln County 4-H Council. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Celebration of Andy's life is at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Platte, with Pastor Wade Hudson officiating. Family will be receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Maria Lutheran Church, Hershey. A private family inurnment is at a later date at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Memorial book may be signed at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.