Ellen Louise Olnhausen

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Ellen Louise Olnhausen, 76, of Cozad, Nebraska. Ellen began her eternal life on January 8, 2022.

Ellen was born in Elwood to Homer and Leola (Tillitson) Haney on November 26, 1945. She graduated from Elwood High School in 1964. She married the love of her life, Galyn Olnhausen of Eustis on January 21, 1968. They made their home south of Cozad in the Platte Valley, where they farmed. To their union came two children, Jason Paul born July 19, 1974, and Sara Louise born February 8, 1977. Ellen lived a full life, was a wonderful mother, homemaker and enjoyed working in retail at Clark’s Grocery, McCoy’s Pharmacy, and Village Apothecary.

Sewing was a pastime of Ellen’s, she enjoyed making clothes for herself and the children. She loved gardening and her flowers. Spring was her favorite season, God’s miracle, she enjoyed watching the plants sprout...even the weeds. 

Ellen enjoyed spending time with her family, was a proud grandmother, and spent a lot of time with friends. She was a member of the ELCA Lutheran Church, Women and Dorcas Circle, Better Homes Extension Club and neighborhood Garden Club. She served on the election board for 30 years and was inducted into the Nebraska Secretary of State Poll Worker Hall of Fame.

She was fiercely independent, could always make those close to her smile and laugh no matter the circumstances and would go out of her way to make those around her feel loved. Most of all she loved her family and instilled strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed by all those who were lucky enough to know her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Galyn, son Jason Olnhausen of Colorado Springs, daughter Sara (Mike) Schmeeckle of Cozad; six grandchildren: Jordan Olnhausen, Brittany McManus, Hannah McManus, Zackery Schmeeckle, Taylor Schmeeckle and Ian Schmeeckle; three great-grandchildren: Samuel Olnhausen, Haven Olnhausen and Nola Schmeeckle; one brother: Stanley (Nancy) Haney of Grand Island; two sisters Hazel (Loyle) Debban of Elwood and Vesta Liehs of Lexington. She also leaves behind extended family consisting of uncle, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, brother-in-law Wes, and Galyn’s parents.

Memorials are suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church in Eustis. Services will be held Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Kathy Gundell officiating. Burial will follow at East Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church.