Lillian Kathryn Ohlsen

Lillian Kathryn Ohlsen was born on May 13, 1930. She was born to recent Danish immigrants Hilbert and Thora Nielsen where she was raised in the City of Chicago. Lillian’s early years were full of family memories from her many friends and relatives who also found their way to America from Denmark.

Upon graduation from high school, Lillian had a strong desire to attend college which was a first for her newly immigrated family. She chose Dana College in Blair Nebraska where she moved and began her studies in education. Lillian received her teaching degree at Dana and soon found herself teaching grade school in Kennard, Nebraska.

Most noteworthy during her years at Dana College was Lillian’s meeting of her future husband Duane Ohlsen. Unlike Lillian, the city girl, Duane was a farm boy from Oregon. In 1951 Lillian married Duane and the broad difference in their life experience provided just the spark that would take them for the next 70 ½ years of marriage together.

In the first few years of years of their marriage, Lillian and Duane became parents to their two children Joyce and David and made their home in Chicago, Illinois. After some time in Chicago, they decided to make their way to the more rural life of Duane’s earlier experience in Oregon.

Lillian had a deep love for music. She enjoyed being part of the Dana College Choir and later was a handbell ringer at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Singing in the car while travelling was a must! She also inspired her children and grandchildren to participate in a variety of musical activities.

Lillian and Duane enjoyed spending time with their family, taking many camping trips, hiking, Sunday drives and several international destinations including Demark, Israel, Spain, and broader Europe. They continued to keep in touch with longtime friends from Dana as well as a their many friends from their church community at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

We were blessed to have her in our lives. We will miss Mom’s laughter and

bright smile. Mom and Dad have been an amazing and Godly example of love,

dedication, tenderness, and faithful caring that has lasted over 70 years.

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Lillian is survived by husband, Duane Ohlsen, children Joyce Olsen & husband Brad, David Ohlsen and wife Candice, 4 grandchildren: Nathan Olsen (Susie), Evan Olsen (Randy), Emily Pappas (Ben) and Brent Ohlsen (Mandi) along with 5 great grandchildren: Liam & Patrick Olsen, Sofia & August Pappas, and Palmer Ohlsen.

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