Lester Neil Olson

     Lester Neil Olson, 78, of Ellsworth, Kan., passed away Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, at Salina Regional Health Center surrounded by his loving family. Neil was born in Marquette, Kan. in Myra Hughes’ (nurse’s) house on Feb. 3, 1939 to the late Lester M. and late Lulu E. (Bealby) Olson. He lived south of Brookville, in Brookville and then Mentor where he attended the one-room school from the first-eight grade. He attended Assaria Rural High School for three years then attended one year and graduation in Brookville.
     Neil 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, N.M. 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; brother, Jerry Olson (Verna Lee); children Julia E. Hardesty, Christina K. Goding Kline (Rebel), Jared Olson; grandchildren Nathan Hardesty (Christa), Stephanie Breitmeyer, Justin Goding (Chelsey), Cody Goding (Meghan), Tyler Goding, Elizabeth Olson, Courtney Leis (Derek), Marissa Olson; great-grandchildren Eleanor Hardesty, Margaret Hardesty, Hunter Goding, Carmen Goding, Zoey Whitmer, Cayvin Goding, Braelynn Goding, and Macie Goding, Riley Mae Leis; and his dog Koda.
     A memorial service was conducted Monday, Aug. 14, at the Brookville Methodist Church with graveside services following at the Falun Cemetary.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Brookville Senior Center in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio, Salina Kan. 67401.