Robert Lee “Bob” Olson passed away peacefully Monday, January 1, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born May 27, 1939, to Clarence J. and Emma M. (Duecker) Olson in Loup City, Nebraska. His family moved to Chadron, Nebraska when he was a child and graduated from Chadron High School in 1957 and then graduated from Chadron State College in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in business and a Minor in English. After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1961. He served four years, including a deployment to Germany. He was honorably discharged in September 1964.
Bob married the love of his life, Margy C. Christensen on February 4, 1968, at the United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. To this union, they were blessed with three children, Jodi Lynn, Amy Jo, and Bradley William.
Bob, also known as “Taxi Bob or Diesel Tower Bob” began his career at Burlington Northern in September 1973 as a clerk and retired in 2003. He met a lot of great friends and always had many stories to tell. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, a 35-year member of the Elks, 40-year member of the Eagles, and a 50-year member of the American Legion. He also served on the Western Heritage Credit Union Board for 12 years.
Bob was a very involved father and grandfather. You could find him attending every sporting event and activity possible for the Hemingford Bobcats, Alliance Bulldogs or Chadron State Eagles. His wife, children, and his grandkids were the most important people in his life.
He is survived by his children, Jodi (JD) Sutphen of Hemingford, Amy Varner of Alliance, and Brad Olson (Nina Schefcik) of Alliance; his grandchildren that he was so proud of, Morgan (Ashleigh) Sutphen of Omaha, Peyton Sutphen (Autumn Hoff) of Chadron, Katelyn and Drew Varner of Alliance; his brother-in law, Melvin Christensen of Chadron; special nieces and nephews, Kim Metz, Tori Marchant, and Brian Fisher, and Bill Christensen. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, his parents, in-laws Bill and Ruth Christensen, and his brother and sister in laws, Bill and Jean Marchant and Dolores Christensen.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 am at the United Methodist Church with Reverend Gregory Reed officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery with military honors. A reception will be held at the Alliance Eagles Club.
Memorials may be sent in care of the family for a future designated memorial to 903 Platte Avenue.