Ila B Brotherson

Ila Brotherson (Olson) was born February 5, 1928 to Gilbert and Leona Olson in Hay Springs, NE. She was the youngest of four children. She had two brothers, Arvid and Pete, and a loving sister, Irene. The family lived on a farm south of Hay Springs where Ila spent her childhood helping on the farm and shared fond memories of riding her horse Pal and fixing windmills with her Dad. Ila moved to town for high school and lived with her grandparents, Peter and Carrie Olson, who had emigrated from Sweden..

When Ila was 17, her friend introduced her to a handsome fellow named Don Brotherson at a dance in Rushville. They dated for several months until Don joined the Navy and left for the War. When he returned they were married on August 24, 1946 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Hay Springs, NE. They were married for 50 years with an endless love and devotion for each other.

Don and Ila built their first home in Hay Springs where they began their family. They were blessed with a son Larry and then twin girls Mary and Myra. When the children were young, they moved to South Dakota to farm, but after a few months moved back to Hay Springs. It wasn’t long before they moved their family to Lincoln and eventually settled in Papillion. Don continued to work in construction and Ila worked at Bergan Mercy Hospital and later managed a doctor’s office. Don and Ila built many houses and duplexes in Papillion and Ralston, working side by side. Ila could be found painting, laying cement or shingling a roof. They were a great team and tireless workers. She was also active in the Papillion’s Women’s Club, her church parish and many bridge clubs. Then, later in life, Don and Ila had a fourth child, Karin, who would always be known as the “baby” of the family.

After retirement, Don and Ila traveled to Hawaii, Alaska and throughout the United States. They also enjoyed camping and many trips to Colorado to visit their children and grandchildren. In 1990, Don was diagnosed with a terminal illness and Ila spent six years caring for him at home until he passed in 1996. She remained very active playing bridge, visiting family and working funeral dinners at her parish. She was fondly known as the “dessert lady” as she always prepared the table of desserts with love and care. Ila was a devoted Catholic and very active in her church.

Ila spent the last years of her life at Astoria Senior Living (formally Brighton Gardens). She enjoyed friends, activities and the caring staff who adored her loving smile and happy disposition. Ila passed away on Friday, February 9 surrounded by the love of family, caregivers, music and sunshine. Our family is grateful to everyone who touched her life. She is survived by her son Larry Brotherson and wife Susan of Denver; daughter Mary Russell Brotherson and husband Tom of Ames, IA; daughter Myra Hamilton of Longmont, CO; daughter Karin Holmes and husband Bob of Omaha, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Ila was a great lover of trees. Next time you see a beautiful tree, think of her and smile