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Gordon Rex Olsen

February 6, 1924 — September 9, 2010

Gordon Rex Olsen

Gordon Rex Olsen, beloved companion, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away Thursday, September 9, 2010 at the age of 86 surrounded by his loving family after bravely enduring cancer. He was born February 6, 1924 in Provo, Utah the son of Clarence LeRoy Olsen and May Afton Jenkins. Graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1944, where he was active in Student Council and played center on the basketball team. Gordon served as a machinist in the Army during WWII, played trombone in the Army marching band and was decorated with two medals of good conduct. He served again during the Korean War in the Air Corps. Married Marilyn Jean Nelson, May 4, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. Spending their first years of marriage in Spanish Fork. Later moving to Provo where he worked for Geneva Steel as a switchman, engineer and conductor. He retired after 35 years. This past May Gordon and Marilyn celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Gordon enjoyed basketball, bowling, woodworking, and cooking. Gordon had a special, unique talent for making fishing spinners. His days at Thistle Creek in Spanish Fork Canyon were among his favorite. He took pride in every seed he planted and never let a weed grow. The smell of his marvelous homemade bread and the scent of fresh picked pine nuts roasting in the oven are smells we will always remember. He took pride in his four daughters, spending time with family being organized and a job well done. My dear one rest from your earthly duties and cares, we are a forever family. All is well. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughters Karin (C.J.) Iacona of St. George, Susan (John) Love of Jackson, Wy., Nann (Doug) Mower of Orem, Shauna (Calvin) Petersen of Delta. Grandchildren: Tifny Iacona, Andy Iacona, Lindsey Love, Emmary Platt, Ryan Mower, Tyler Mower, Jared Mower, Ashlyn Eliason, McKenzie Petersen, Austin Petersen, Miranda Petersen and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Earl.
A viewing will be held in his honor on Sunday, September 12th at the LDS Ward located at 1081 West 1060 North in Provo from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
There will be a second viewing at the same location at 9:30 am on Monday, September 13th. The Funeral will follow at 11 am on Monday, September 13th.
Gordon will be buried at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gordon Rex Olsen, please visit our flower store.

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