Dolores A. (Sobotka) Olson

OBITUARY OF DOLORES A. OLSON

After a life richly lived in service and kindness, Dolores A. (Sobotka) Olson, 84 passed away in Fremont, Nebraska on March 1, 2025 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Known for her volunteerism, Dolores was a beacon of light and hope in every community she lived in, touching lives throughout Ord, Burwell, Ericson, O’Neill, Dunning, Grand Island, Sargent, Stromsburg, and Bassett. She had friends in every community she lived in.

She is a beloved and cherished mother to David (Kiffany) Conner of Kearney, Christine Dumont of Omaha, Ann (Michael) Herbig of Central City, Doug (Kris) Conner of Kearney.

Dori, as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, courage, generosity, and dedication to her family.

Dolores was born the only child to Joesph and Sophie (Kasper) Sobotka on a farm east of Ord on February 2, 1941. As a child, she adored her daddy. They would spend hours together working on the farm. She loved to listen to him play the accordion. She would dance and they would sing together. She attended a one-room country school not too far from her country home. She always loved the arts and was a performer in plays and musical groups. She played the piano and trumpet. She was an accomplished 4-Her selected to go on to The Nebraska State Fair in many areas. She graduated from Ord High School in 1959. Dori worked for The Ord Quiz and Dr. Auble’s Optometry Office. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln joining the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority until the death of her father at the tender age of eighteen. Later in life this would spark a desire in Dori to promote cancer research as the Co-Chair of The Nebraska Cattlemen’s Ball in 1995 raising over $400,000 for the cause.

She was married to Darrell Conner on July 3, 1960. They were married for 25 years. Working the night shift, she would travel to Grand Island to work at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant so she could be with her children during the day. As a dedicated mother to her four children, some of her greatest joys came from attending their activities.

She always had a passion to understand her Czech-Bohemian heritage even taking a trip to visit her ancestor’s homeland. Dori was a strong believer in equal rights and opportunities that would empower the betterment and personal freedom for women and children. She was the Outreach Coordinator at Central Nebraska Community Services, volunteered at the Crisis Center, Ceders and Head Start programs. She was also a foster mom to two boys and a girl while she lived in Sargent.

In 1987, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Olson and gained six more grown children. They moved to the Sandhills and were ranchers. They showed and bred Quarter Horses, “Eyes on Red” and “Mr. River Red.” These two were shown at The AQHA World Championship Show. They enjoyed spending time with each other and had a large group of friends. They shared a wonderful life together until his death in 2015 from Parkinson’s disease. She was a very loving, caring wife and grandmother.

My Antonia was Dori’s Antique shop in Dunning. She enjoyed putting on style shows with period clothing at Fort Hartsuff as well as other organizations. She appeared in various newspapers and TV shows over the years. She was very knowledgeable about antiques and so loved her “Antique Club” friends.

Decorating was her talent. Her home at Christmas was always exquisite. She loved to make the things around her beautiful. If you were lucking enough to attend one of her coffee’s, social events, or a party…it was special. From cake decorating, to homemade cards or an elegant table she made you feel special and welcome. She joined her daughter Ann at her Positively You Boutique in Central City. She loved to visit with people and brought so much to the shop. She enjoyed traveling to market to observe the innovative ideas of decorating for the coming year.

She had a beautiful smile and personality that could light up a room. In her high school years, she was chosen FFA Sweetheart and a Dairy Princess. In college, she was 1st Runner Up to Miss Nebraska. In 1976, she received the title of Valley County Centennial Queen. She was a true beauty inside and out.

In 2017, she met her sweetheart Ed Hall (fiancé) and shared her remaining years with him in Bassett, Nebraska. They enjoyed being grandparents, going to wool contests, 4-H events, traveling to AZ and being a part of the Hall Ranch. The Hall Bull Sale was always a fun and special time for them.

Dori had been a member of the Valley County Health System Foundation Board, Ord Jaycees and a P.E.O. Sister of Chapter CW.

She would say her greatest achievement was her family. She dearly loved them and was proud of every one of them. She was elated when she became a grandmother and delighted to be a great grandma. Family was everything to her.

Although Dori’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion.

She is survived by her fiancé Ed Hall, 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren along with many other family members and friends. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A Celebration of Life Event was held on Friday, March 21, 2025 in the Bassett Methodist Church with Pastor Jenice Epp as the officiant. Special Music selections were played during the service. Honorary Pallbearers were: Greg Robb, B.J. Wietzki and Les Hall. Organizational Rites were conducted by P.E.O. Chapter CW from Sargent. A Private Family Inurnment occurred in the Ord Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to the Eppley Cancer Research Center (985950 Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE 68198) in Dolores’ name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.