Raymond A. Olson, 72, of North Platte, NE passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Good Samaritan Health Hospital in Kearney. Ray was born on October 13, 1951 in Oberlin, KS, the son of Carl S. Olson and Clarice Ethel (Gordon) Olson Arnold.
Ray grew up in Wallace, NE and was valedictorian of Wallace High School class of 1969. Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Cryptologic Technical Interpreter; 1st Class from 1969-1975. He then spent time as a Naval Air Crewman from 1982-1995 in Morocco, Cyprus, and Rota, Spain. He became an expert Russian language specialist and linguist following graduation with honors from language school in Monterey, CA. Ray worked with the National Security Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency in Ukraine. He traveled extensively as a Russian interpreter with Russian envoys in both Russia and the U.S. to aid with disarmament of nuclear weapons under the S.A.L.T. treaty. He also became friends during his travels to Russia with the inventor of the AK-47 Mikhail Kalashnikova. His decorations and medals during service included: Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Award for period ending '93, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal May '06. Following his time in Russia, Ray worked at Karl’s and for the Bulletin newspaper in North Platte. He married his companion of 25 years, Phyllis McEntee in February 2021.
Those left to cherish his memory are wife, Phyllis; children, Jason (Nikki) Olson, and Josh (Kelly) Olson both of Florida, and Jeremiah (Patrice) Olson of Michigan; foster children he eventually adopted with his previous wife, Penny: Nehemiah Olson, and Zachariah Olson both of North Carolina, Michael Olson of Denver, Sarah Olson, and Linda Olson of North Carolina; step-children, Jerry (Lindsey) McEntee of Korea, Jay McEntee of North Platte, and Melody (Asa) McKenney of North Platte; 6 grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; sisters, Helen (Gary) McConnell of Wallace, and Carol (Jim) Eshelman of Hershey; brother, David Olson of North Platte; brother in law, Jim Catterson and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, LaDonna Cook, and Nellie Catterson; and infant daughter, Elizabeth Carol Olson.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. Lunch will follow the service in the Carpenter Memorial reception room. Burial with military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Veterans Cemetery, near Maxwell. Carpenter Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.