Norman A. Olson, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away on February 9, 2021, in Millcreek, Utah, from injuries sustained in a recent fall. Norman was born on October 10, 1930 in Oxford, Idaho, to Ernest and Clara Hatch Olson. He was the youngest of six boys, and the seventh of eight children. He graduated from West Side High School in Clifton, Idaho where he played baseball and lettered in basketball. He was proud of his upbringing where he learned the value of hard work. In his youth he would spend summers working at his father’s garage in Swan Lake where he learned auto mechanics and welding.
He served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central Atlantic States Mission from 1950-1952. Following his mission, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he was stationed at Sandia Base (Special Weapons Depot) in Albuquerque, and the White Sands Missile Range at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
He met his eternal companion, Marilyn Ann Mathis, at a Church fireside in January 1953 while living and working in Salt Lake City. After a long-distance courtship, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 18, 1954. Their life together stands as a legacy of dedication to the Lord, each other, and their family. Norman loved caring for and serving his family above all else.
He was a dedicated disciple of the Savior Jesus Christ and was valiant in keeping his covenants. As a faithful member of the Church he served in many callings throughout his life. He was a diligent home teacher and caring minister. He was a worthy priesthood holder, he was always willing and prepared to provide a priesthood blessing. Later in life, he and Marilyn served a two-year service mission in the Salt Lake 1st Laotian-Thai Branch in the University Stake where his experience and leadership were greatly valued.
He studied mechanical engineering at the University of Utah and was employed at Sperry Univac/Unisys, retiring after thirty-one years. After his retirement, he worked for Zinetics Medical in the design and manufacturing of medical devices.
Norman loved working with his hands and mind, and could build or fix anything. He thoroughly enjoyed gardening and taking care of his yard and home. He loved sports, reading, popcorn, and his daily crossword puzzle. His children and grandchildren will never forget his wise counsel to “be the best you can be” and “don’t take any wooden nickels.”
He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, of 66 years; his children, David Olson (Millcreek, UT), Mark (Pamela) Olson (Sandy, UT), Debra (Thomas) Hathaway (Placentia, CA), John (Rachel) Olson (Sandy, UT), Michael (Christina) Olson (Victoria, TX), and Diane Olson (Murray, UT); 9 grandsons and 6 granddaughters who he dearly loved; and 6 (soon 8) precious great-grandchildren who knew him as GiGi. He is also survived by sisters Afton Ralphs and Wanda Cox, and a brother Alferd Olson. Preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Wesley, Eldred, Marion, and Lorrin Olson.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 20, at the Winder 7th Ward chapel (4350 S. 1100 E., Millcreek, Utah) at 12:00 p.m., and will be streamed live at: https://bit.ly/373Pe5h. A viewing will be held the night before on Friday, February 19, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the same chapel, and from 11:00-11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Please observe social distancing and wear a mask if attending. Burial at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
