Leland J Olsen

Leland Olsen

Monroe, Utah

Leland J. Olsen, 97, passed away February 24, 2018 in Harrisville, Utah. He was born May23, 1920 in Monroe, "Little Green Valley," Utah to Oluf and Jemina Sorensen Olsen. When he was six years old, he regularly drove a team of horses pulling a dump rake. Leland was so small, people couldn’t see him. He sat directly behind the rear legs of the horses, holding the reins in front of him with one hand and stretching his other hand behind him to hold onto the seat—all the while using his foot to trip the dump rake.

Leland was very active in sports and music. In high school he played the clarinet in the band and loved football and baseball. As varsity cheerleader, Leland was talented in gymnastics. He walked on his hands, did backflips, and performed handstands on the back of chairs.

Leland and his future wife, Lois Lorensen, met in their high school seminary class. After graduating from South Sevier High School, they both attended college. They were married on June 30, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple. She preceded him in death May 29, 2013.

During WWII, Leland worked at the depot in Ogden. In 1943, Leland and Lois moved back to Sevier Valley to assist his father on the farm. The roots sank deep into the fertile soil of Monroe. The Olsens were blessed with two daughters, Saundra Lee and Connie.

In 1955, Leland joined in a partnership with 12 dairymen to form the Hi-Row Dairy Association, a highly successful enterprise.

Leland was active in the community and church. For ten years Lois and Leland were dance directors. They loved to dance! In 1963 Leland was called as bishop of the Monroe South Ward, serving for eight years. From 1972 to 1981 Leland was a counselor in the Monroe stake presidency. Following their retirement, Leland and Lois served a full-time mission for the LDS Church as temple workers in Sydney, Australia. After returning home, they resumed their service in the Manti Temple, serving there for 18 years. Leland lived a vigorous life, and was a man of integrity and character.

Leland is survived by his daughters: Saundra Lee (Sam) Parker, Salt Lake City; and Connie (Gary) Jensen, Harrisville; 8 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Ryan Parker; and all his siblings.

In honor of his life, funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Monroe LDS Stake Center. Friends may call Friday evening at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday at the ward chapel in Monroe from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com