LEO C. OLSON was born February 12, 1931, in Lyons, Nebraska, the eldest child of Clyde and Mae (Badje) Olson. He passed away and was found Sunday, October 23, 2011, at his home in rural Lyons, at the age of 80 years.

He attended country school at District No. 52 through the eighth grade and graduated from Lyons High School in 1948.

After graduation, Leo farmed with his father until he was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1952. He was stationed in Dachau, Germany with the 201st Armored Field Artillery. He was honorably discharged January 20, 1954.

Following his discharge, he returned to farming and married Mary Ann Gallup. To this union three daughters were born: Angie, Alea and Heidi.

Leo was very active in the VFW and could always be counted on for honor guard at parades and funerals.  He held various offices throughout the years with the Robert Klase VFW Post No. 7998.

In 1973, Leo married Jackie Slaughter Armagost. Leo became a father to two more daughters, Ronda and Brook and to this union a daughter, Gidget Jo, was born.

Leo was a most amazing man. All who knew him knew of his gentle, caring ways – a father who had the deepest love and respect from his daughters, a true friend to all who knew him, a neighbor ready to help, and when stressful events would occur, Leo was the calm in the storm. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. He never grew too old to have fun—at age 72 he went skydiving. At age 80 he was still being a nanny to two of his grandchildren—perhaps one of his proudest accomplishments.

Besides Leo’s family and farm, his garden was a source of pride. He could provide the community with pumpkins and tomatoes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Olson and Mae Olson-Cromer.

Survivors include his six daughters, Angie Loomis of Oakland, Alea (John) Magill of Michigan, Heidi (Brent) Holm of Silver Creek, NE, Ronda Armagost of Lake Preston, South Dakota, Brook (Steve) Tomka of Clarkson, NE and  Gidget Wingad of Okoboji, IA; ten grandchildren;   four great grandchildren; brothers, Gary (Ann) Olson, Leonard (Nancy) Olson of Lyons, Gordon (Shirley) Olson of Oakland; sister, JoAnn (Jim) Shuey of Lincoln; nieces and nephews.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 3:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Lyons.

NO VISITATION

PRIVATE FAMILY BURIAL:  Lyons Cemetery with Military Honors by Harvey Lenig American Legion Post No. 83 and Robert Klase VFW Post No. 7998

MEMORIALS: Oakland Ryan VFW Post #5543

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

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