Lester Neil Olson

Lester Neil Olson, 78, of Ellsworth, Kansas, passed away August 10th at Salina Regional Health Center surrounded by his loving family. Neil was born in Marquette, Kansas on February 3, 1939 to the late Lester M. and late Lulu E. (Bealby) Olson. He started his rodeo career in high school. Neil was steer wrestling National Champion at the 9th Annual National Championship High School Rodeo in 1957 in Albuquerque, NM. He competed in bareback riding, bull riding, and steer wrestling until his last rodeo in 1972 at the Salina Tri-Rivers Fair Rodeo. Neil's work career included rancher, farmer, construction, realtor, cobbler, and retail sales. He loved playing cards, going to casinos, museums, and teasing anyone nearby. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter. He is survived by his sister, Dana Barrett, and brother, Jerry Olson; children Julia E. Hardesty, Christina K. Goding Kline (Rebel), Jared Olson; grandchildren Nathan Hardesty, Stephanie Breitmeyer, Justin Goding, Cody Goding, Tyler Goding, Elizabeth Olson, Courtney Leis, Marissa Olson, and 13 great grandchildren, and his dog Koda. Visitation will be Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home from 1:00 to 8:00 pm with family attending from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, August 14, 2017 at the Brookville Methodist Church with graveside services following at the Falun Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brookville Senior Center in care of the funeral home.