Arthur L. Olsen passed away peacefully at his home in St. George, UT on January 4, 2014. He was born December 2, 1922 to Arthur Olsen and Leone Bitters in Providence, UT. After graduating from South Cache High School and the outbreak of WWII, he joined the Navy and served as an Aviation Ordnance man first class ASNR. His legs were severely wounded while serving in the South Pacific on a reconnaissance mission, and he spent over a year in the Oakland, CA Naval hospital. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

On his return from his military service, he continued his education at USU and graduated with a degree in education and music. While at college he met and married Norma Olsen in the Logan Temple. They were blessed with six children: Laura Lee, Sharon Marie, Frank Arthur, Kristine, and Norman Newell. Their first daughter died during childbirth. Norma passed away during the birth of their sixth child in 1959. He married Helen Gayle Petersen in the Logan Temple in 1960. Her daughter, JoAnn, joined the family and together Art and Helen were blessed with a son, Mitchel.

He was employed for 32 yrs. in the education system, influencing many students in academics, music and character building. His talents were in fly-fishing, poetry, oil painting, and choral singing. His singing began as a trio with his two brothers and later he became a soloist giving enjoyment for many occasions. For many years he conducted the Imperial Glee Club in Logan, UT.

Art was a member of the LDS church, where he served as bishop and in many other callings throughout his life. He served a mission with his wife Helen to Tacoma, WA. Art is survived by his wife of 54 years, Helen; daughters: Laura (Butch) Smith, Clarkston, UT, Sharon (Dale) Greenwood, American Fork, UT, Kristine Jeppson, St. George, UT and JoAnn Griffin, Provo, UT; sons: Norman, Salt Lake City, UT and Mitchel, St. George, UT; sister, Afton, Crescent City, CA; 23 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. Art was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Frank; his brothers, Don and Allen; and his sisters: Florence, Dorothy and Norma.

Funeral services will be held in St. George, Utah on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bloomington Hills LDS Stake Center located at 1130 East Brigham Road. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services, at the Stake Center.

Funeral services will be held in Logan, Utah on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 11:00 am with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Allen-Hall Mortuary located at 34 East Center Street (435-752-3245). Interment will follow in the Providence City Cemetery, Providence, UT. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.

Thanks to Applegate Home Health and a great appreciation for Bob Murray and his staff for their professional care.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spectrum & Daily News on Jan. 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Olsen

11 Entries

January 12, 2014

There are people who just make you feel special...that is Art Olsen. He touched so many lives in so many capacities in which he served. He will be missed...Love and prayers for his wonderful family at this difficult time.

Reunell Jessop Bankhead

January 12, 2014

Mr. Olsen touched the lives of all who were privileged to be in one of his choirs or musicals. He inspired us all at South Cache with his enthusiasm, his musical expertise, and his love of each person with whom he worked. I truly owe him a debt of gratitude. My entire life has been enriched because of the incredible opportunities he gave me in my youth.

Karen Hansen Brooks

January 11, 2014

I would like to say a few words about my dear Uncle
Art. He was a war hero, man of God, he brought music to
many lives, a great Santa, full of humor, dedicated and
exceptional teacher, a most wonderful uncle, Truly, a "Man for all Seasons"!

Sheralyn Hall-Oviatt

January 10, 2014

Mr. Olsen had a way of making his each student feel special. I remember him beginning when I was eight years old and would take summer swimming at Sky View. After swim lessons we got to take a music class. He and Mr. Loosle taught it. How I loved that time. I was thrilled when I got to South Cache and got to take music from him there. He always remembered me after I got out of Jr. High and would see him on the streets or at a church function. How I loved him. Heaven received a wonderful angel. I will always love him. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Elizabeth Darley Snodgress

January 10, 2014

I loved Mr. Olsen. I think of him often---he was probably my most inspirational teacher.

Bonnie Glee Thomas

January 10, 2014

How Art touched the lives of so many students at South Cache High. We all have special moments of memory associated with him. Thanks Mr. Olsen. My thoughts are with your family at this time.

Speaking at Southern Utah University (2009)

Rose Wyvette Johnson

January 9, 2014

I remember so well Mr. Olsen in Junior High School teaching at South Cache (High) School. He was very talented and influenced me throughout my years... He was a good man.

Sylvia Niederhasuer Olson

January 9, 2014

I loved your father as a teacher and a bishop. Thanks for sharing.

Elaine Andersen

January 8, 2014

I want you cousins to know how much I loved this man. He was a great Uncle and teacher. I guess God needed someone with a sense of humor in Heaven. He got a good one.

Aunt Helen, thanks for taking such good care of him.

January 7, 2014

What a great man! I loved the stories he would share when he came in for pedicures! he will surely be missed. Debby Haslam (formerly of Ambience Salon)

Jim Hansen

January 7, 2014

It is true indeed. There is no more Santa Claus. I want you to know how much I treasure the memories I have of your Dad and all the wonderful times we spent together growing up in Providence. May you be blessed with peace and comfort during this difficult time.

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