"From an early age my fascination, enjoyment, and appreciation, of all that I discovered in God's created world around me pointed me to the goodness of God. His love for me was readily apparent in the intricacy of His creation and its overwhelming but simple beauty...a sunrise, a sunset, a blue gill, a cinnamon teal or wood duck. God could have created them in black and white as far as I could perceive but He chose to lavish such beauty on me." Rom 1:18-21, Ps 8
Such was Lonnie L. Olson, 73, of North Platte, NE, who left this earth for Heaven on April 1, 2025. At home and at his side was his loving wife, Lynn, and his nurse and their friend, Sara. He was born in Broken Bow on February 5, 1952, to Leslie and Alberta Olson. Along with his sister, they lived in several towns in Nebraska as his father traveled with the Nebraska Department of Roads, finally settling in North Platte in 1964.
There he graduated from high school in 1970 (chess club, science lab assistant), and married in 1972. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1975-78, mostly at Fort Ord in Monterrey, CA, at Headquarters Company Division Support Command for the 7th Infantry, and then began his 42-year service to "Uncle Pete" (UPRR) in the retarder tower, and as switchman, brakeman, conductor, and engineer after bringing his family home to North Platte. Regretfully, that marriage ended in 1993, after producing three children, and later, at least two grandchildren.
A divine appointment (and yes, it involved fishing) led him to meet his second wife, Lynn, two months after his divorce was final. A friendship developed through a local Christian singles group and another divine appointment, and in the Lord's timing, a courtship began in 1996, with a subsequent wedding in 1997. Together they traveled the country shooting and visiting family, often finding a way to visit historical sites and museums.
He continued to work for the railroad as the best engineer on the 2nd District, retiring in 2016. He continued the pursuits that he'd enjoyed as a young boy: fishing, shooting, playing chess, gardening, listening to Rush Limbaugh, watching history documentaries, or watching the Cornhusker football team until his health began to fail.
Lonnie is survived by his faithful wife Lynn; godson, Michael Schwab; brothers-in-law, Harvard (Pam) Miller of Eldersburg, MD, and Mark (Dawn)Miller of Upperco, MD; sister-in-law, Bev Smith (Glade) of Cozad; nine nephews (especially his faithful friend and brother in Christ, Glade Miller "GM" Smith) and nieces; and 18 grand-nephews (with another on the way) and -nieces.
Lynn is grateful for all the special nurses, aides, companions, physical therapist, Cindy at Westfield Pharmacy, Palliative Care, and Brookestone Hospice: Amber, Suzie, Meghan, Wendy, Barb, Tracy, Joanne, Shirleen, John, and especially Sara who blessed both Lonnie and I with kindness, courage and a forever love to our hearts. She created a giving community for us, which the Lord in His mercy has extended for Lynn. Several have become like family, blessing us with time with their children, and relationships that will not end.
Lonnie is preceded to Heaven by his parents and grandparents; six grand-nephews and -nieces; and at least one grandchild.
And David said to his son Solomon, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord." I Chronicles 28:28(NKJV)
Lonnie will be remembered for his laugh, sense of humor, intelligence, wisdom, passion for truth, and never meeting a stranger. The rare few that truly appreciated him are richer for it.
In lieu of flowers or memorials - pick up a meal or have a meal delivered - spend time with your loved ones - talk, play games, reminisce, laugh, dance, hug! And always, always - take a lot of pictures and videos.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 15, at Odean Colonial Chapel. Burial with military honors will be a 1 p.m. in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. The casket will be closed.