Jolaine Loseke Nielsen, 84, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Miles Memory Care in Papillion, Nebraska.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 10 at 10:30 AM, at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Patrick Sparling officiating. Private family interment will take place in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery prior to the service. Visitation will be on Friday, June 9 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Peace Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time, also at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Peace Lutheran Church, Columbus Community Hospital Foundation, or the donor's choice.

Jolaine was born August 1, 1938, to Harold and Edna (Petersen) Loseke in Columbus. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Christ Lutheran Church in rural Columbus and later became an active member of Peace Lutheran Church. She graduated 8th grade from Christ Lutheran School in 1952, from Columbus High School (then known as Kramer High) in 1956 and from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1960. While in college, Jolaine was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, a Homecoming candidate, and named the Nebraska Dairy Princess/" Queen" (which led to tireless teasing by her children for decades). She married Edward Martin Nielsen Jr. June 20, 1959. After college, the couple returned to Columbus to operate Nielsen Chevrolet-Buick dealership and raise their four daughters.

Although Jolaine would tell you that she didn't work after college, many knew the "work" she dedicated to various organizations including, but not limited to: American Red Cross hospital volunteer and bloodmobile programs, 4-H assistant club leader, Platte County 4-H Council, Peace Lutheran Altar Guild and Church Council, Columbus Area United Way, a 58 year member of P.E.O. Chapter CH, Columbus Friends of Music, Columbus Public Schools Foundation, and school organizations at the elementary, middle, high school, and college level. She was recognized for her volunteer work by being chosen as Queen Isabella in 1982. Jolaine enjoyed her golf group, sewing club and many Bridge groups. She was an enthusiastic traveler and cherished her family and many friendships.

Following the death of her husband in 1996, Jolaine became President of Nielsen Chevrolet-Buick. The family greatly appreciated the assistance of so many loyal employees and customers during this transition. She was able to return to her community involvement and enjoy being a grandmother once the dealership was sold in 1999. The past few years were spent navigating the challenges that arose from Alzheimer's disease; the family is grateful for the care and support given by her friends, care staff, and special friend, Peg Cuba.

Jolaine is survived by:
Daughter: Leslie Hitchner of Rumson, New Jersey
Grandchildren: Alexis Hitchner Armstrong (David Armstrong) of Seattle, Washington; Drew Hitchner of Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas; Lauren Hitchner of Aspen, Colorado
Daughter: Christine (Andrew) Hancock of Littleton, Colorado
Grandchildren: Virginia Hancock of Salt Lake City, Utah; Cole Hancock of Berlin, Germany
Daughter: Shelly Nielsen (Craig Schmidt) of Columbus, Nebraska
Grandsons: Niels and Carter Schmidt of Columbus Nebraska
Grandchildren (Children of Laurie Nielsen-Singer): Julian and Ella Singer of Omaha, Nebraska
Brother: Wayne (Ardeth) Loseke
Sister: Glenda Kleinkauf
Nieces and Nephews
Sister-in-law: Roberta Saalfeld

Jolaine was preceded in death by:
Parents: Harold and Edna Loseke
Husband: Edward Nielsen, Jr
Daughter: Laurie Nielsen-Singer
Brothers-in-law: Ronald Saalfeld and Dr. Thomas Kleinkauf
Nephew: Christopher Saalfeld

Service Folder Information
Someday
I know someday that I must die
Don't weep, don't mourn,
Can't you see
God has given me treasures and love to share
When He calls dear ones, set me free.

Do not plead and bed me not to leave
Help me to softly close the door.
On tasks undone, and places unseen
And the family I adore.

Give me a hug, softly say a prayer
And sing me a parting song.
Give my organs away to those in need
So they again can be strong.

Please don't hold me here when the
Lord calls me home.
He knows the right time and right place.
He knows I'll be ready to join Him….
For our meeting face to face.

Mary Louise Krumland




In Loving Memory Of

Jolaine Loseke Nielsen

Born
Monday, August 1, 1938
Columbus, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Papillion, Nebraska

Memorial Service
Saturday, June 10, 2023 10:30 AM
Peace Lutheran Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiant
Rev. Patrick Sparling
Vicar Joel Ripke

Music
Karla Dixon – Organist
Luther Bakenhus – Soloist
"How Great Thou Art"
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"

Casket Bearers
Alexis Hitchner Armstrong
Drew Hitchner
Lauren Hitchner
Virginia Hancock
Cole Hancock
Niels Schmidt
Carter Schmidt
Julian Singer
Ella Singer

Private Family Interment Prior To The Service
Roselawn Memorial Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska