Gerald Olsen

The world lost, and heaven gained a selfless and endlessly patient man on January 17, 2019.  Gerald Leroy Olsen was born on October 15, 1940 to Mildred and Elmo Olsen. He was always the first to help anyone in need, and made a lasting impression on everyone that had the pleasure of being in his presence.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife Joan Parry Olsen.  They shared a fairytale love hand- in-hand for 58 years. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Joan and Gerald were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake City temple on February 16, 1962.  Gerald worshipped the ground Joan walked on, and loved being her partner in life.  She will miss him dearly but finds comfort in knowing she will be with him in the next life.

Gerald is also survived by his brothers Richard, Lyle, Blaine, Dell, Bruce, David; sisters Beth, Faye, Kathy, Janet; daughters Teri and Kim, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren all of which knew him best as Papa, and absolutely adored him.  Papa loved his family more than anything.  The memories that were made with Papa will never be forgotten.

Gerald was extremely patriotic, and proudly served his country as a Ship Electrician on the USS Calvert. After an Honorable Discharge from the US Navy, he went to work for the US Air Force at Hill Air Force Base. His time with the Air Force took Gerald, Joan and their two young daughters to various locations across the United States, where he worked on ballistic missile sites.

Gerald is preceded in death by his Father, Mother, and sister Anne Olsen Barker.

We will be celebrating Gerald’s life with a viewing to be held at the Stake House located at 2811 South 6400 West Valley, Utah on Wednesday January 23, 2019 from 6-8 pm.

The funeral will be held 11 am at the same location on Thursday January 24, 2019 with a viewing held 10-10:45 am.  Gerald will be laid to rest among his fellow veterans in Utah Veterans Cemetery at Camp Williams.