Sharon K. Olson

Sharon Kay Olson, a lifelong resident of Omaha's beloved Minne Lusa neighborhood, passed away surrounded by the community and family she loved so deeply. She was more than a neighbor—she was the heart of Minne Lusa, a woman whose generosity, determination, and unwavering commitment helped shape the neighborhood into the close-knit community it is today.

Sharon was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 24, 1942, to George and Katherine Olson. She spent her entire life in the neighborhood she cherished, where she built lasting friendships, preserved history, and dedicated herself to making life better for those around her.

As a young woman, Sharon was an accomplished marksman who loved hunting and trap shooting with her cousin Dick and the older men in the family. She was never afraid to keep up with the crowd and enjoyed every minute of it.

Following in her mother's footsteps, Sharon worked for the telephone company for many years before retiring. Retirement, however, never slowed her down. She spent summers traveling with Dick and Leanna to rodeos across the country, proudly cheering on their son, Jeff, as he competed as a bull rider.

To her family, Sharon was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and unforgettable. She loved to read and passed that love on to the next generation. Every birthday, she would take Stacy's children to The Bookworm, where they would each leave with armfuls of books—gifts that nurtured not only their libraries but their imaginations. She was always giving, never expecting anything in return.

She delighted in spending time with children and was always willing to babysit. Family members still laugh about the New Year's Eve when she taught a house full of children to play blackjack. The oldest was only nine years old, but Sharon insisted it was simply a fun way to practice math skills.

Sharon loved older homes, beautiful neighborhoods, and the people who filled them. Her devotion to Minne Lusa was unmatched. While many people may not have seen her as often in recent years, for more than two decades she was the driving force behind many of the neighborhood's most cherished traditions and accomplishments.

She helped launch the Minne Lusa House on Mary Street, where neighborhood coffees were held and countless ideas took shape. Her influence can be found in Halloween on the Boulevard, the annual craft fair, the neighborhood golf tournament, and numerous projects supporting Minne Lusa Elementary School. She played an essential role in saving the Florence Library when budget cuts threatened its future. Her passion for preserving historic homes led her to help restore several neighborhood houses, always hoping they would be purchased by people who shared her commitment to the community. The pollinator garden at the north end of Minne Lusa Boulevard stands as a lasting tribute to her vision and bears her name.

Sharon earned a reputation for being both compassionate and determined. She could be stubborn when she believed in a cause, but those who worked alongside her knew that determination always came from a place of love. As one friend shared, "She was stubborn as could be, but was always there with whatever was needed to complete the task."

In her final months, Sharon was lovingly cared for by Cynthia, who said, "She was the most selfless person I met in my life, and underneath that tough exterior was a woman who loved fiercely, was incredibly intelligent, and could make me laugh at the drop of a hat."

Sharon's greatest legacy is not found in the buildings she helped save or the events she organized, but in the lives she touched. She believed communities were built by neighbors looking after one another, families were strengthened through generosity, and children should always have another good book to read.

Her life was a testament to service, kindness, perseverance, and love. The neighborhood she treasured is stronger because she called it home, and everyone fortunate enough to know her is better for having shared in her remarkable life.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

There will be a Visitation 10:00-10:30 AM with Rosary 10:30 AM Monday (7/13/2026) at Roeder Mortuary 4932 Ames Ave. Omaha, NE; Burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska.

Memorials to Minne Lusa Pollinator Garden.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - Ames Ave. Chapel - 4932 Ames Avenue - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com