Mary Lee Olson, age 76, of Lincoln, NE, passed away June 27, 2026. She was born to Herbert and Joyce Lindner on March 20, 1950, in Broken Bow, NE.

While growing up in rural Custer County, she attended various schools, graduating from Anselmo-Merna High School in 1968. She went on to earn her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1972. Following graduation, she taught at several Class 1 schools throughout Custer County.

In the summer of 1975, she met Stewart Olson while working as a waitress at the Tumbleweed Cafe in Broken Bow. Just a few short months later, they were married in a small ceremony at the home of Stewart’s parents. To this union they were blessed with two sons, Eric and Colin. In the summer of 1989, the family moved to Lincoln, NE. Over the next several years, Mary Lee held various jobs in the Lincoln community, including Wells Fargo, the American Red Cross, and substitute teaching for Lincoln Public Schools. She also homeschooled her two oldest grandchildren through their preschool years.

One of the things Mary Lee was most passionate about was Scouting, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America. This interest began in 1983 when her oldest son, Eric, started Cub Scouts and she became a Den Mother. Over the years that followed, she held various positions within the scouting community, including Committee Chair at both the Pack and Troop levels, Unit Commissioner, Roundtable Commissioner, and Training Coordinator for the Salt Valley District. In 2018, she was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for her scouting contributions. Many scout leaders grew in their leadership under her guidance.

She is survived by her husband, Stewart Olson; sons Eric (Jennifer) Olson and Colin Olson, all of Lincoln, NE; sister Patty Lindner of Broken Bow, NE; brothers Leroy (Laura) Lindner and David Lindner, both of Broken Bow, and Mark (Cheryl) Lindner of Lincoln; and grandchildren Chris, Keira, Jacob, Landon, and Rider Olson. She is especially remembered by Ashley Brady and Josslyn Belsky, both of Lincoln. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Patrick; sisters-in-law Serena Lindner and Cindy Marty; and father-in-law George Olson.

Her final wish was to be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

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