Gordon K. Olsen

Gordon K. Olsen, 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 10, 2016 in Meridian, Idaho after many years of battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Dad was born on February 26

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, 1933 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Henry “LaVod” and Maggie Bateman Olsen. He was the third child of four.  He grew up in Iona where he attended school until graduating from Iona High School in 1951.

On July 20, 1956 he married his sweetheart Janel Bodily in the Idaho Falls Temple.  Together they raised five children. They spent many years in Iona until they moved to Shelley, Idaho in the fall of 1976.

Dad grew up on a farm helping his father raise sheep and cattle. In high school dad was always involved in school organizations and activities. Dad and mom started dating in high school and quickly discovered that one of their favorite things to do together was dance. After graduation they were called to be the ward dance directors. It was during this time dad was called to serve a mission in the San Diego California Mission.  Mom and dad were married shortly after he came home.

Dad was a hard worker and an excellent provider for his family.  He spent a few years at various jobs before being hired on at the INEL in the graphics art department. Dad and mom both shared a passion for yard work spending hours and hours creating a yard admired by all.  Dad and mom also developed a great love for their heritage.  We would often find them researching and discovering family history. It was hard for him when he could no longer do that.

Dad always found time for his children. He also taught us the value of hard work. We spent many hours just up the road helping Grandpa work on the farm that dad grew up on. Dad always made it an adventure. To us it was more fun than work. He also took us camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming.  We also spent quality time taking long rides just to enjoy the scenery.

Alzheimer’s took the dad we knew a while ago, but we somehow knew his heart was always with us. We will miss him, but we feel a quiet peace in knowing he can finally be free of the restrictions he faced in his mortal body the last few years.

Gordon is reunited in death with his wife Janel, his parents, and his sister Jane Hamblin.  He is survived by his five children; Greg (Sydnie), Gayla (Sam Walker), Pam (Benny Coronado), Mark (Sherrill), and Lane.  He also has been blessed with 21 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  Gordon leaves behind an older sister Carol Steele and a brother Roy Olsen.  We would also like to thank Hospice for all they have done for dad.

On Saturday May 14

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from 9:30 am to 10:40 am the family will receive friends at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W. Oak St., Shelley, Idaho. This will be followed by the funeral services beginning at 11:00 am.  Burial will be at the Iona Cemetery.