OraLee Mae Oleson passed away on August 5, 2021, at the age of 94. Her last few days on Earth were spent at the Village Care Center. After suffering a fall with complications, she decided she wanted to go to her heavenly home and God answered her prayer. OraLee was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. She was a "take charge" leader her whole life; musically talented, athletic, and organized.

OraLee was born March 23, 1927, to Rachel (Carlson) Fredstrom and Arvid Fredstrom. She was born in the same bedroom as her dad on the Fredstrom farm SE of Oakland, Nebraska. Her uncle Rudy, who was 16 at the time had to take a team of horses hitched to a wagon through a muddy lane to bring Dr. Benson to the house for the delivery. OraLee loved farm life, described herself as a tomboy and spent many hours outside learning skills from her dad - mending fences, milking cows, feeding pigs, chickens and learning how to work. It was a difficult life making ends meet, but her life was filled with joy: horses, dogs, cats, and music. She loved her grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins and looked forward to family events with a Swedish/Norwegian flair.

OraLee moved many times in her adolescent life but made friends easily and became very involved. She was a big sister to Shirley, Claire, and Ardis. She loved country school, sports, singing, and playing the piano. Her parents recognized her musical aptitude and bought a piano from a salesman for $65, making payments of $2.50 each month until it was paid in full. She also played the accordion "by ear."

OraLee graduated from Onawa High School, class of 1944. She had several jobs including helping her parents at Gambles Hardware, Moons 5 and Dime, and was a trained telephone operator. World War II was raging and OraLee was accepted to the Army Cadet Nurse Corps and trained at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, NE. She wanted to serve her country and develop a good career. The war ended but she stayed in the program and was an exceptional nurse until she retired. She worked at the Onawa hospital, administrator of the Onawa nursing home, a school nurse in Whiting, IA, and last as an administrator at St. luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Sioux City, IA. She received her master's degree from the University of South Dakota in the 70's.

OraLee married Ben Skidmore, Jr. in 1948, They lived on a farm near Whiting, IA. They had three children, Jayne, Diane, and Bill. OraLee was very active with her children in school and church and was always present for her kids! later in life she married Merle Oleson. He had three children, Kevin, June, and Milan. OraLee and Merle lived in Sioux City, then retired to Kimberling City, MO, and finally to John Knox Village. They enjoyed traveling, participating in musical productions on the JKV campus...singing, dancing, and helping wherever they were needed. They loved the JKV community, church, and theatre. Merle was a devoted husband for 44 years and their love for each other was evident. Early mornings began with Bible readings and prayer. OraLee and Merle knew this world was a temporary home.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Ardis.

OraLee is survived by her sister Shirley Schutte (Roger), brother Claire Fredstrom (Mary Ann), her husband Merle, daughters Jayne Oslin (Jim), Diane Hunter, and son Bill Skidmore. She is also survived by her stepchildren Kevin Oleson (Marilee), June Waltz (Scott), and Milan Oleson (Wesley). OraLee had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There are pictures proudly displayed throughout the house on Red Bud Drive. She wrote a story about her life. Chapter 1 is titled: Born to be Blessed. She truly was.