Florence I. Olsen

Florence Ida Olsen, age 94 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, November 27, 2022.

Florence was born on February 11, 1928, in Bancroft, Nebraska to John and Theresa Frink. She was raised on her family farm with her three siblings: Mary, Catherine, and Jack. When Florence was 8 years old, her father passed away. A couple of years after her father passed away, her mother moved the family to a farm in Thurston, Nebraska which became the family farm Florence grew to cherish and would later own with her husband. She went to a country school and helped with chores on the farm in Thurston. Florence graduated from Thurston High School and then went on to take teaching courses at Wayne State College. She taught kindergarten through eighth grade at a country school for several years. Later, Florence and a friend moved to California where her sister lived. During Florence’s time in California, she worked at a bakery. Florence moved back to Omaha to be closer to family and worked for Safeway grocery stores. It is while working at Safeway, Florence met Carl Olsen. Florence and Carl were married on August 20, 1960, at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church in Omaha. Florence left her job at Safeway to start their family and continued to be at home until the kids were in school when she started working for the Westside school district. She worked at Westside for over 25 years until her retirement. Throughout the years, Florence and Carl also worked together at buying and managing investment properties. Florence and Carl were married for over 61 years when Carl passed away in May 2022.

Florence was active in bowling leagues and participated in Mary Our Queen’s perpetual adoration for many years. Florence had a strong faith and was a member of Mary Our Queen church for over 45 years. She also was an avid reader. She especially enjoyed going to all her grandchildren’s activities. She baked and delivered banana bread for them each week for many years. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and they all loved spending time with Florence and Carl.

Florence is survived by her three children: son Carl (DeAnn) Olsen; daughter, Margaret (Brian) Moreland; and son, Steven (Patricia) Olsen. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Megan (Joel) Becker, Nicholas Olsen, Emily Olsen, Kelsey (Connor) Lacy, Courtney Moreland, Jack Moreland, Owen Olsen, Grace Olsen, and Lylie Olsen. Her sisters, Mary Frink and Catherine Schoening preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother John “Jack” Frink, many nieces and nephews, and friends.

Visitation with be held Wednesday, November 30, 2022 – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, with a rosary to follow, at John A. Gentleman Mortuaries at 14151 Pacific Street.

Private family services are being held at church.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or Mary Our Queen Catholic Church.