Ralph Olsen

Ralph E. Olsen, 90, passed away peacefully at the Idaho State Veterans Home on July 28, 2014 and his daughter's birthday.

Ralph was born June 2, 1924 to Elmer Christen and Audrey Mae (Tolman) Olsen in Pocatello, Idaho. His siblings are Donald and Clayton Olsen (California), Joan Shurtliff (Pocatello), Elaine Steck (Oregon), Sharon Scott (Washington) and Jean Rhodes (Utah). He has lived all over the country but mostly in Pocatello, Idaho.

With only a tenth grade education, he quit to go to work and then joined the Navy. He was an underwater welder while in the service. With all the job experiences he had, he was asked to be the welding instructor at ISU Vo-Tech. He was very proud of his students and even now many of them still stayed in contact with him.

He always said the best time in his life was when he got married (both times). His first wife, Emogene Rawlins passed away in 1960, leaving him four boys to raise. In 1961, he delivered a sack of potatoes fresh from the field to Ruth Ormond Clark and her family. After a very short courtship they went to Elko, Nevada and were married on November 25, 1961.

Ralph loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, and was an avid fly fisherman. He spent many hours tying flies for his fishing adventures, kids, and friends. Dad and Mom spent many summers at Island Park enjoying the company of family and friends.

Dad was a great gardener. He always had the best weed free garden around. Many people sought his advice on how to have a garden like his.

A special thank you and appreciation are extended to the Idaho State Veterans Home for all their loving care of Dad and his family for the last five and a half years. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Idaho State Veterans Home, Activity Program, 1957 Alvin Ricken Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201.

Ralph is survived by his children, Gary Olsen (Oregon); Harriet (Jerry) Lacey (Fort Hall); Glenda Brooks (Florida); Brent (Debbie) Olsen (Pocatello); Blaine (Vickie) Olsen (Arizona); Paul (Tonja) Clark (Colorado); and Susan (Phil) Knapp (Chubbuck); 29 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren with a few more on the way.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father and step mother, Elmer and Teretta Olsen; mother and step dad, Audrey and Maurice Kinney; brothers, Gordon and Glenn Olsen; sister, Carol Kinney; sons, Ronall Olsen and Phillip Clark; grandson, Travis Olsen and infant great-granddaughter, Misty Olsen.

Funeral services for Ralph will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Meadowbrook LDS Ward Chapel at 300 E. Chapel Street. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6-8 PM at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, and from 12:30-1:45 PM at the church prior to the service. The interment will follow the services at Mountain View Cemetery with Military Rites provided by Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.