Roma Jean Engdahl

1930 - 2025

Roma Jean Engdahl

December 27, 1930 - July 12, 2025

Roma Jean (Swanson) Engdahl, age 94, of Colon, Bayard, Elkhorn, Waterloo and Plattsmouth, NE, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family at The Nebraska Masonic Home in Plattsmouth.

She was born on December 27, 1930 to Lloyd A. Swanson and Ethel (Carlson) Swanson in Wahoo. Roma was raised and schooled in Colon and she graduated from Wahoo High School with the class of 1948.

Roma lived a rich and remarkable life. She never knew a stranger, and her warmth and sense of adventure left a lasting impression on everyone she met. As a young woman, she left home to live and work in Phoenix, AZ, and later in Chicago, IL, pursuing life on her own terms with a spirit of independence uncommon for women of her generation.

After returning to Nebraska, Roma met her husband, Carrol Weldon Engdahl, at a dance hall in Arlington. They shared 23 years of marriage before his passing in 1979. Though widowed, Roma remained an intrepid traveler and enthusiastic concertgoer, especially when country music was involved.

Her kindness, humor and deep faith made her beloved by many. Roma was a natural storyteller, a faithful friend and someone who made even a short conversation feel like a cherished memory. Her Swedish heritage was a source of pride, and her love of laughter, fellowship and her Christian faith touched countless lives.

Roma is survived by her brother and lifelong friend, Larry Swanson; her son, K.C. (Zoe) Engdahl; her daughter, Cara (Stan) Olson; granddaughter, Kristyna Engdahl (Eric Hinze); grandsons, Aidan Heim and Jeremy (Terri) Birch; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members, all of whom she cherished deeply, and who loved her just as much in return.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ethel Swanson; her husband, Carrol Engdahl; sister-in-law, Jean Swanson; and in-laws, Paul (Vernelle) Kellogg, Chuck (Ilene) Lundquist, and Keith (Mary) Berquist.

She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, and to those who knew her best, simply as Mee Maw.

In keeping with Roma's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10 a.m., at The Nebraska Masonic Home in Plattsmouth with Pastor David Linkugel officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Nebraska Masonic Home or Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Elkhorn.

Services are entrusted to Roby Funeral Home, 346 Ave. A, Plattsmouth, NE 68048, (402) 296-3123, robyfuneralhome.com.