Richard Olsen

Richard Olsen

Manti, Utah

Richard Dee Olsen, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Manti on April 7, 2015. Richard was born to David "Dee" Jr. and Maud Tuttle Olsen Jr. on June 21, 1926 in Manti. He was the second of their three children— Adele (older sister) and E. Donald (younger brother). He married his high school sweetheart, Marie Shaffer, on January 9, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Richard made his living first as a rancher and then with the Phillips Oil Refinery. The last 3+ decades of his career was focused on road maintenance/construction, including work for private companies, as a contractor for hire, and as a supervisor for the Sanpete County Road Department.

Richard actively served his community in many ways. For example, he was a key contributor to providing Manti with water when the line was seriously damaged by a mud slide in 1974.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard served in many roles including: Elders Quorum president, High Priest group leader, ward executive secretary, Scoutmaster, bishopric counselor, and bishop. He was an active participant on and off the stage for the Mormon Miracle Pageant. Most notably portraying General Mormon for 25+ years.

Richard is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marie; sons: Ken (Claudia) Olsen and David (Marie) Olsen; 12 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren; brother, Donald.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Adele (Royal) Lambert; sister-in-law, Sherline Olsen; grandchildren Amberly Olsen and Erik Olsen; great-grandchildren Taylor Olsen, Feleti Lincoln Taukeiaho, Mark Christensen, and Jeremy Palmer.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Manti Stake Center, 555 East Union, where friends may call Sunday from 6-8 p.m. and Monday from 9-10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Manti City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com