Funeral Services For Lois Olson

Lois L. Olson, 76, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, Nov. 20, at the Good Samaritan Society in Albion, NE. 

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, with Rev. Vern Olson officiating. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Monday at Levander Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids. 

Lois Lavonne Olson, daughter of William and Pearl (Kershaw) Fitzsimmons, was born August 11, 1939 at Cedar Rapids, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at the Cedar Rapids United Methodist Church and attended Cedar Rapids Public School, graduating in 1958. 

Lois married Rodney E. Olson Sr. on October 18, 1958 at the United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, NE and they have lived on a farm west of town for the past 57 years. Lois worked at the Grand Island Ordinance Plant and later at the Newman Grove Creamery, before being blessed with two children: Rodney Jr. and Ranita. When her children were old enough, she began working at Lindsay Manufacturing Co., where she worked in multiple positions over 28 years, before retiring in 2007. 

Lois was a lifelong member of the Cedar Rapids United Methodist Church, active in many ways including as a communion stewardess for many years. She was a hard worker and loved caring for her family and helping others, always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. 

She is survived by her husband Rodney E. Olson, Sr. of Cedar Rapids, NE; two children: Rodney Jr. (Shari) Olson of Blue Hill, NE; Ranita (Tom Sr.) Buettner of Cedar Rapids, NE; 7 grandchildren: Nena Rutten of Cedar Rapids; Tina (Miguel) Karmann of St. Edward, NE; Tom Jr. (Megan) Buettner of Greeley, NE; Jeff Buettner of Omaha; Krista (Dustin) Karr of Campbell, NE; Leah Olson(fiancé Erik Anderjaska)of Hays Center, NE; Danica Olson of Sidney, NE; 6 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Mary Jane DeMuth of Cedar Rapids and Mickey Jo Fastnacht of Phillips, NE; and one brother Richard Fitzsimmons of Fullerton, NE. ​

Lois was preceded in death by her parents William and Pearl; one brother William “Billy” Fitzsimmons Jr.; two brothers-in-law: Ken Fastnacht and Gene DeMuth; two nephews: Ronald DeMuth and Timothy Fitzsimmons; one niece Kathy Fisher; and one grandson-in-law Toma Rutten.