Renee Hillgren

Reneé Kay Olsen was born December 16, 1964 in Eads, Colorado to Norman and Connie (Brink) Olsen and welcomed home by big brother, Monte. Her little sister, Carolyn, arrived the next year.

The Lord welcomed her home on November 30, 2024 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reneé was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City, Iowa along with her brother and sister in November 1965. She was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete, Nebraska, May 1979.

Reneé spent most of her childhood around Crawford County Iowa and began school in Manilla, Iowa. When she was in 6 th grade, the family moved to Crete, Nebraska. Reneé graduated from Crete High School in 1983.

She spent her youth delivering the Lincoln Journal-Star newspaper, working for Heidi & Harold's Cafe and at the Crete Nursing home. The last being the place where her compassion and love for others blossomed for the rest of her life.

Reneé and Duane Hillgren were married on October 21, 1983 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. To this union they welcomed Lacy Mae Hillgren and Eric Allen Hillgren. Duane and Reneé parted ways but remained lifelong friends. She always appreciated the love and support of the Hillgren family throughout her life.

Reneé held many positions in her adult years, including: Alice's Restaurant, Sun-Husker Foods, Fabric Care Center, and many more, but her favorite position was with Dietze Music. She was very musically talented, an accomplished organist and clarinetist. She spent many hours practicing "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas for competition and the chance at first chair in band, both of which she won. This was one of her favorite songs in her youth. Reneé also had a passion and talent for growing plants and has a flourishing home garden.

Reneé was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016. The journey was not easy, but she faced it with a positive attitude, grace, dignity and belief in the Lord. She was beloved at the Cancer Partners of Nebraska for her profound empathy and support of both the staff and others on their cancer journey. She was known to give her painted rocks to those she loved and anyone in need of inspiration. As a compliment to her generous heart, her fiery and sassy personality ensured she would always tell you how it is. Her stubborn streak made her a strong fighter through adversity and her battle with cancer. She had a deep love for her family and friends and took such pride in her beloved grandchildren.

Reneé was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Connie, former in-laws Don and Helen Hillgren, grandparents Earl and Etta Brink, Sigurd and Evelyn Olsen, friends and loved ones in the AA program, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by daughter Lacy (Dan) Stattler, their children, Kalee and her son Camden, Gavin and Jordan; son Eric (Katie) Hillgren and their son Lincoln; brother Monte (partner Oscar); sister Carolyn (Alan) Kortmeyer; nephews Andrew (Kenzi) Olsen - with baby Olsen due in december - and Dane (Teala Sadler) Olsen; nieces Shauna (Matt) Meierdierks and Sarah (Trevor) Reinke; great nephew Kaleb Meierdierks; great niece Brianna Meierdierks; step-mother Wanda Olsen; step-sisters Tina (Pat) Mason and Paula (Rob) Turner and step-brother Jerry Skaggs. Lacy's in-laws Mike and Lila Stattler. A multitude of Brink and Olsen cousins, aunts and uncles; friend Valeria Buskirk and her family; and of course Bonnie Hamlin, her sponsor and confidante for 30 years in the AA program. Both Val and Bonnie loved and supported Reneé as a true sister.

May you rest in peace, Reneé. We all love you and are better for having had you in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of the family for future designation.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.