Roger "Lefty" Olson

Roger D. Olson, fondly known as Lefty, 73, of Papillion, NE passed away on March 21, 2023. Lefty was born to Dorothy and Olen Olson in a house in Anselmo NE on July 21, 1949. He and his parents lived in the area until Olen’s death. Dorothy remarried Eugene W. James of Mullen and the family moved to the ranch north of Mullen.

He was active in sports in high school, playing football, wrestling, track and rodeo. Graduated from Mullen High School in 1967. He worked on ranches in the Sandhills until he entered the Air Force in 1969. He met his wife Yvonne, also known as Bunny, on a double blind date on February 25, 1970 and they were married December 27, 1970. Lefty went to Japan the following month and Bunny joined him in August. Two children, Tabitha (Tabi) and Tamara, were born in Japan, and a son James (Jim) was born when they returned to Omaha. While in Japan both Lefty & Bunny were successful in archery.

In addition to a 20 year military career, Lefty was a jack of all trades, driving trucks, selling tools, auctioneering, a tree surgeon, antique collector, casino dealer, wagon train cook and announcer for dog trials.

Lefty is survived by wife, Bunny; daughters, Tabi (Scott) Zimmerman of Lincoln, Tamara (Lowell) Paulson of Papillion; Son, James (Carrie) Olson of Gainesville FL; grandchildren, Kaden, Kelby, Aurora, Faith, Aaron, Cooper, Calvin, Cole, Claire; 6 great-granddaughters; mother, Dorothy (Daily) James; brothers, Oley (Julie) Olson of Mullen, Kim James of Sioux Falls; sisters, Lana Pearman of Overland Park KS, Penny James of Omaha; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Preceded in death by fathers, Olen P. Olson and Eugene W. James.

A visitation for Lefty will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Kahler Dolce Mortuary, 441 N. Washington Street, Papillion, Nebraska 68046, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 PM. Please dress casual; jeans are preferred. A private burial will take place at Omaha National Cemetery at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KahlerDolceMortuary.com for the Olson family.