Sandra A. (Nickel) Olsen

Sandra A. (Nickel) Olsen, 60, of Gilbert, AZ, formerly of Wilber, NE, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at her home. Sandy was born on May 21, 1965, in Fairbury, NE to Larry and Annalee (Allen) Nickel. Sandy graduated from Wilber-Clatonia High School in 1983. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Distributed Studies from Iowa State University and the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, also earning a Medical Technologist certification. Later, she also received an Associate's Degree in Computer Programming from Southeast Community College. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Sandy married Dan Olsen on September 26, 1987, they later divorced. Sandy spent several years as a Senior IT Specialist for Ameritas in Lincoln, NE. Her strong work ethic and no-nonsense leadership skills made her a natural leader. Needing a new adventure, she moved to Arizona and retired in 2020. She has spent the last several years living her best life swimming, gardening, and volunteering at Friends for Life Animal Rescue, which she enjoyed immensely. Sandy enjoyed heavy metal music, horror movies (especially Hammer films), watching football, cross-stitch, collecting Art Deco antiques, caring for animals and a good Blood Orange Cosmopolitan or Mimosa.   Sandy and her brother Todd were extremely close, texting each other several times a day. Sandy had a huge influence on her brother in many ways.  From Monty Python to Kiss and AC/DC her influence will always be a part of him.  She took the heat for many stupid things that happened during their childhood, although, she probably wasn’t fooling anyone.  Most of all, her quiet strength was an inspiration.  She called it scrawn power, most likely a gift from Grandma and Grandpa Allen.  You are missed every single day, Sandy.  Until we get to sit, laugh and enjoy an adult beverage again, enjoy your peace.

Sandy is survived by her mother Annalee (Allen) Owens of Gold Canyon, AZ, her brother Todd Nickel and wife Dawn of Beatrice, NE, several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father Larry Nickel, stepfather Ralph Owens, grandparents, Ray & Laura (Wahl) Nickel and Clifford & Genevieve (Murphy) Allen.

It was Sandy’s wish to use cremation with no visitation. Private graveside inurnment will be held at a later date with Pastor Doyle Karst officiating. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in charge of arrangements.

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