Donna J. Olson passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 29, 2024 in McCook, Nebraska. Donna Janelle was born at Cortez, Colorado on October 11, 1937 to Olney Story and W. Marie Shields Story. She lived and attended school in that area until 1954.
Donna married LeRoy Schlager in Culbertson, Nebraska on August 26, 1956. They had two children, Colleen Marie and Russell Lee. They lived in Sacramento, California until 1975 when they moved to southwest Nebraska. Donna taught special education for McCook Public Schools until her retirement in 1999. She made a tremendous impact on the lives of the students she taught. They loved seeing her in public and would run up and give her hugs, which she loved.
On June 6, 1989, Donna was married to Donald D. Olson of McCook. They lived on the family farm until his death in 2010.
She is survived by her daughter, Colleen M. Olson and husband Don J. of McCook, NE, one son Russell Lee Schlager and wife Beverly of Rollinsville, CO, and step-son Randy M. Olson of Johnstown, CO. Donna is also survived by five grandchildren, Alisha Olson Thompson (Ty), Luke Olson (Naomi), Jakob Schlager (Alyssa), Joe Schlager, and Zach Schlager. Also left to mourn are four step-grandchildren, Ryan Rasmussen, Tanner Olson (Jen), Chance Olson (Jessica), and Ashley Johnston (Casey). Great-grandchildren are Kergan, Weston, Soren, Norah, Ohlee, Rhyer, Axel, and Kaleb. She is also survived by her special niece and nephew, Carol and Rick Weaver.
Preceding her in death were three brothers and a sister as well as her step-daughter-in-law, Pam Olson.
Donna was a member of Memorial Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and PEO.
Memorials may be given in her name in care of Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home P.O. Box 476 McCook, NE 69001 and will be designated to the all inclusive playground equipment at Kelly Park.
Visitation with family greeting friends will be Friday, August 2, 2024 from 5:00 until 7:00 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Memorial Methodist Church, McCook, Nebraska with Pastor Jeff Kelley officiating. Inurnment will be at the Culbertson Cemetery.