Edwin Donald Olsen

Don Olsen

Manti, Utah

Edwin Donald Olsen, known to everyone by "Don" passed peacefully at his home on May 8,　2016.　Don was born February 19,　1931 to David Jr. and Maud Adele Tuttle Olsen.　Don lived his life in Manti, Utah and raised his family while working their farm in Sterling.

Don was married to Loa Shirlene Fisher in the Manti Temple on September 19, 1957. She preceded him in death. Later he married Sirkka-Liisa Paju in the Manti Temple on June 27, 1989.

Don was a disciple and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, and a devoted citizen to his country and to the Sanpete community.　He served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tthe first as a young elder to the Eastern Canada Mission and later with his wife Sirkka-Liisa to the New Zealand Wellington Mission.　 He served as bishop of the Sterling Utah Ward, as a stake clerk, a stake mission leader, Mormon Miracle Pageant counselor and fulfilled many other church callings. He taught by word and example that serving is the happiest and most important part of life.

Don graduated from Manti High School and Snow College, and attended Utah State University.　He was a Sargent in the Army and served in the Pentagon in Washington DC during the Korean War.　He served on the Manti City Council, was an active member of the Manti Lion’s Club and served on numerous boards and committees, both civic and professional. Throughout his many years of civic service he looked for opportunities and found ways to better the community.

Don was always very happy and kind. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and the treasures of family. He loved the gospel and never missed an opportunity to serve, to teach, and to testify of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He reached out humbly, often with a touch of humor, to encourage others to be better and to live better. For many years Don was responsible in reporting the attendees each night of the Mormon Miracle Pageant and gave himself the title of ‘Nose-Counter’. When asked by one of his children how he counted each nose, he replied "I count every eye and divide by two." He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend.

Don is survived by his wife, Sirkka-Liisa "Lissa"; children: Jay (Lauri) Olsen, Milton (Becky) Olsen, Scott (Melissa) Olsen, all of Manti; Richard (Bridget) Olsen, Kaysville; Laura (Kevin) Pili, Hurricane; Kristen Olsen, Murray;　step-children: Johnny (Tracee) Folkersen, New Hampshire; Anne (Parish) Woodside, Manti; Poul Henry (Clare) Folkersen, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Dyna Folkersen, Manti; 41 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirlene; daughter, Loa Cathleen; brother, Richard Dee Olsen; sister, Emily Adele Olsen Lambert and great-grandson, Samuel Olsen.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Manti Tabernacle. Friends may call Thursday from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Tabernacle and prior to services Friday from 9:00-10:30 am. Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery with military honors by the Manti American Legion Post #31. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.