(Audubon) The remains of Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Eli Olsen were returned to Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon on Tuesday.
Olsen’s nephew Bradley Eli Olsen told KSOM/KS95.7 News, “It’s been a great honor to be here to honor my uncle that of course I never knew. He was dead long before I was ever on this earth. I think it’s great that people turn out to show their patronage for our fallen heroes.”
Bradley Olsen describes the emotions he felt on Tuesday. “It’s one of excitement as well as a sentimental kind of a closure type of a feeling.”
Olsen admits he didn’t know a lot about his uncle. “My father was also in combat during the war. A lot of those veterans didn’t like to talk about things so very little was ever discussed about this.” He admits he never thought a day like this would happen. “No. Not in my wildest dreams.”
He’s thankful for the people that lined Highway 71 to show their support. “That was so great to see. Just outside of Brayton was a John Deere combine with its spout out and an American flag. The Atlantic Fire Department was by the interstate with the flag on their truck. People in Exira were parked with their flags out and waving. It was nice to know that people did feel somewhat patriotic.”
Eli Olsen was serving as a storekeeper on the USS Oklahoma and was 23-years old when he lost his life on December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, September 25th at 10:30 at the Exira Lutheran Church.
